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Cowboy Dictionary

Welcome to our cowboy dictionary!

We have definitions for words, terms, and expressions common to a cowboy or horse lifestyle. Many definitions are illustrated with photos.

Example Definitions From Our Cowboy Dictionary

Brock Face - A facial marking in cattle where there are patches of white hair and patches of hair of another color. Also called "brockle face," "mock face," and/or "mockle" face.

See a more detailed definition here: CowboyWay cowboy dictionary, letter B.

Below: In front are two black brock face heifers.

Pair - A way of referring to a mother cow and her calf. For example: "How many pairs did he buy?" It is sometimes a cowboy's job to "pair up" cows and calves, which means to observe them until they determine which calves belong to which cows.

Below: A cow and her calf, or a "pair."

Quarter Mark - A "quarter mark" is a mark brushed onto a horse's hindquarters. They are created by brushing damp hair on the horse's hindquarters in a different direction than the surrounding hair. This contrast in hair direction reflects light differently, thus creating a quarter mark.

Wet Cow - A cow that is currently producing milk. A cow is wet because she has given birth to a calf.

In the photo below you can see this cow's udder (or "bag") is enlarged with milk. She gave birth to the calf standing next to her about two months before the photo was taken.

Wooly Chaps - Wooly chaps, or "woolies," are chaps covered in fur. They are particularly popular in regions where the winters are long and cold, such as in the northern part of the United States. Cowboys and cowgirls who wear woolies like them for their warmth and their ability to repel rain and snow.

Below: Wooly chaps on a ranch bronc rider.

Definitions

… Letters A - B

… Letter C

… Letters D-E

… Letters F-G

… Letters H-I

… Letters K-M

… Letters N-P

… Letters Q-R

… Letter S

… Letter T

… Letters U-Z