prune¹ /proon/

1. (formerly also proin, proine, proyn or proyne) to trim by lopping off superfluous parts
2. To remove anything superfluous from (figurative)
3. To remove by pruning

pruˈner noun

pruˈning noun

The act of pruning or trimming

pruning bill or pruning hook noun

A hooked bill for pruning with

pruning knife noun

A large knife with a slightly hooked point for pruning

pruning saw noun

A saw with a usu tapering straight or curved blade, often attached or attachable to a long handle, for pruning trees, etc

pruning shears plural noun

Shears for pruning shrubs, etc

prune² /proon/ (archaic)

To preen (formerly also proin, proine, proyn, proyne or proign)

prune³ /proon/

1. A dried plum
2. A plum suitable for drying (US)
3. A plum (obsolete)
4. The dark purple colour of prune juice
5. A dud pilot (RAF sl)
6. A despised or silly person (informal)

Of the colour of prune juice

prunes and prisms

1. Part of a formula for setting the lips into a pleasing shape, ‘serviceable in the formation of a demeanour’ (Dickens, Little Dorrit)
2. Hence (often prisms) a somewhat prim manner of speaking, or any trivial and superficial refinement

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