n. & v.
n. 1 a stitch with a zigzag pattern, resembling the pattern of a herring's bones. 2 this pattern, or cloth woven in it. 3 any zigzag pattern, e.g. in building. 4 Skiing a method of ascending a slope with the skis pointing outwards.
v. 1 tr. a work with a herring-bone stitch. b mark with a herring-bone pattern. 2 intr. Skiing ascend a slope using the herring-bone technique.