Pruning \Prun"ing\, n. 1. The act of trimming, or removing what is superfluous. 2. (Falconry) That which is cast off by bird in pruning her feathers; leavings. --Beau. & Fl. {Pruning hook}, or {Pruning knife}, cutting instrument used in pruning trees, etc. {Pruning shears}, shears for pruning trees, vines, etc.
pruning knife n : a knife with a curved or hooked blade