'Pruning' definitions:

Definition of 'pruning'

(from WordNet)
noun
Something that has been pruned off of a plant
noun
The act of trimming a plant

Definition of 'Pruning'

From: GCIDE
  • Prune \Prune\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Pruned; p. pr. & vb. n. Pruning.] [OE. proine, probably fr. F. provigner to lay down vine stocks for propagation; hence, probably, the meaning, to cut away superfluous shoots. See Provine.]
  • 1. To lop or cut off the superfluous parts, branches, or shoots of; to clear of useless material; to shape or smooth by trimming; to trim: as, to prune trees; to prune an essay. --Thackeray. [1913 Webster]
  • Taking into consideration how they [laws] are to be pruned and reformed. --Bacon. [1913 Webster]
  • Our delightful task To prune these growing plants, and tend these flowers. --Milton. [1913 Webster]
  • 2. To cut off or cut out, as useless parts. [1913 Webster]
  • Horace will our superfluous branches prune. --Waller. [1913 Webster]
  • 3. To preen; to prepare; to dress. --Spenser. [1913 Webster]
  • His royal bird Prunes the immortal wing and cloys his beak. --Shak. [1913 Webster]

Definition of 'Pruning'

From: GCIDE
  • Pruning \Prun"ing\, n.
  • 1. The act of trimming, or removing what is superfluous. [1913 Webster]
  • 2. (Falconry) That which is cast off by bird in pruning her feathers; leavings. --Beau. & Fl. [1913 Webster]
  • Pruning hook, or Pruning knife, cutting instrument used in pruning trees, etc.
  • Pruning shears, shears for pruning trees, vines, etc. [1913 Webster]