percher
percher — noun
1. a type of bird whose feet are shaped to grip onto thin surfaces such as tree bra
a type of bird whose feet are shaped to grip onto thin surfaces such as tree branches, wires, or fence tops while resting.
The forest was full of small perchers like finches and sparrows.
Perchers have specially shaped feet that wrap tightly around branches.
countable noun describing a bird type
The ornithologist pointed out a group of perchers resting in the old oak tree.
Birdwatchers in the park counted at least twelve different perchers before lunch.
- perching bird
more common in everyday English than 'percher'
- passerine
scientific term for the largest order of perching birds; narrower taxonomic meaning
文法句型
percher + verb (singular/plural)
用法筆記
Usually used as a technical term in ornithology. In everyday conversation, English speakers more often say 'perching bird' or name the specific bird (robin, finch, sparrow) rather than use this noun.
2. a person who sits on a raised seat or platform, either for work, observation, or
a person who sits on a raised seat or platform, either for work, observation, or rest.
The park percher watched children play from his bench near the fountain.
From a high stool, the percher could see every corner of the busy workshop.
singular noun for a person sitting on a raised seat
The night watchman was a regular percher on the tall stool at the factory gate.
A lone percher sat on the wooden platform watching the sunset over the rice fields.
- sitter
more general; does not suggest a raised position
文法句型
percher + verb (singular/plural)
用法筆記
Very uncommon in modern English. Usually replaced by more specific terms such as 'someone sitting on a stool', 'the person on the platform', or simply 'observer'.
3. a worker in a textile factory who checks fabric for defects such as holes, stain
a worker in a textile factory who checks fabric for defects such as holes, stains, or uneven threads.
The percher examined every meter of silk for tiny holes or stains.
domain-specific occupation; used with 'examined ... for [defects]'
Wei trained for six months to become a skilled percher at the textile mill.
The factory employed three perchers to check the quality of all finished cloth.
An experienced percher can spot a broken thread faster than any machine.
- fabric inspector
more common modern term for the same role
- cloth examiner
less common alternative term
文法句型
percher + verb (singular/plural)
用法筆記
Historical or technical term found mainly in descriptions of traditional textile manufacturing. In modern factories these workers are usually called 'fabric inspectors' or 'quality control checkers'.
4. a worker in a tannery who treats animal skins with oils or tools to make the lea
a worker in a tannery who treats animal skins with oils or tools to make the leather soft and pliable.
The percher rubbed oil into the leather to make it soft and flexible.
domain-specific occupation in leatherworking
Elena worked as a percher at the tannery for over thirty years.
Modern machines have replaced most perchers in large leather factories.
The old percher taught the new apprentice how to stretch and soften cowhide properly.
- leather softener
descriptive term for the same role
- tannery worker
broader term covering all jobs in a tannery
文法句型
percher + verb (singular/plural)
用法筆記
Historical occupation term. The task itself is now largely performed by automated machinery in industrial tanneries.