— plucker , n.
/pluk/ , v.t.
1. to pull off or out from the place of growth, as fruit, flowers, feathers, etc.: to pluck feathers from a chicken.
2. to give a pull at; grasp: to pluck someone's sleeve.
3. to pull with sudden force or with a jerk.
4. to pull or move by force (often fol. by away, off, or out ).
5. to remove the feathers, hair, etc., from by pulling: to pluck a chicken.
6. Slang. to rob, plunder, or fleece.
7. to sound (the strings of a musical instrument) by pulling at them with the fingers or a plectrum.
v.i.
8. to pull or tug sharply (often fol. by at ).
9. to snatch (often fol. by at ).
10. pluck up ,
a. to eradicate; uproot.
b. to summon up one's courage; rouse one's spirits: He always plucked up at the approach of danger. She was a stranger in the town, but, plucking up her courage, she soon made friends.
n.
11. act of plucking; a tug.
12. the heart, liver, and lungs, esp. of an animal used for food.
13. courage or resolution in the face of difficulties.
[ bef. 1000; ME plukken (v.), OE pluccian, c. MLG plucken; akin to D plukken, G pflücken ]
Syn. 2. tug. 3. yank, tear, rip. 13. bravery, boldness, determination, mettle, nerve.