Farrow

In 'swine production' (pig farming), the verb 'Farrow' means to give birth to pigs. Needless to say, farrowing is something that only sows do.

The noun farrow means 'a litter of piglets'.

This is an interesting contrast when compared to its definition in regards to cattle farming, where it means a cow is 'not in calf', that is, not pregnant.

Far"row (far"rO), n. [AS. fearh a little pig; a akin to OHG. farh, farah, pig, dim. farheli little pig, G. fercel, D. varken pig, Lith. parszas OIr. orc, L. porcus, Gr. po`rkos. Cf. Pork.]

A litter of pigs. Shak.

© Webster 1913

Far"row, v. t. & i. [imp. & p. p. Farrowed (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Farrowing.]

To bring forth (young); -- said only of swine. Tusser.

© Webster 1913

Far"row, a. [Cf. Scot. ferry cow a cow that is not with calf, D. vaarkoe, vaars, heifer, G. färse, AS. fearr bull, G. farre. Cf. Heifer.]

Not producing young in a given season or year; - - said only of cows.

⇒ If a cow has had a calf, but fails in a subsequent year, she is said to be farrow, or to go farrow.

© Webster 1913