ked

plural keds · alternative kade

1. Any of the family Hippoboscidae of obligate parasites, especially the sheep ked, Melophagus ovinus.

   Pouring with tobacco liquor is fatal to these insects, and also to the ked, Hippobosca ovina, and to the tick, Acarus reduvius, if it fairly reach them.

   1839, Rev. Dr Singer, Flies and other insects hurtful to live stock, &c.: Transactions of the Highland and Agricultural Society of Scotland, page 132

   2 more examples

   The common differential diagnoses include cutaneous myiasis, sheep scab and lice; however, keds are readily visible to the naked eye.[…]Adult keds are 4-6 mm long, dark red and readily visible on the neck and forelimbs.

   2006, Philip R. Scott, Sheep Medicine, page 263

   They watch the sheep for signs of insects or pests, such as sheep keds and sheep lice, that can irritate the sheep causing them to scratch their fleece against fences or troughs and damage or tear the wool.

   2007, Carrie Gleason, The Biography of Wool, page 12

   Synonyms: louse fly, Melophagus ovinus

plural KEDs

1. abbreviationinitialismemergency medicineInitialism of Kendrick Extrication Device.

plural Keds

1. singularsingular of Keds

   I put one Ked gingerly on the driveway to test for ice.

   2014, Stasia Ward Kehoe, section 120, in The Sound of Letting Go, New York, N.Y.: Viking, →ISBN, page 316

   2 more examples

   Consequently he hadn’t been able to run well; his gym shoe threatening to fall off, he had surrendered at the appearance of the car. He had rather be caught than lose one Ked.

   1975, Thomas Berger, chapter 4, in Sneaky People, New York, N.Y.: Simon and Schuster, →ISBN, page 78

   Meanwhile, I struggled to keep my composure and to keep my breathing steady as she ever so slightly would shift first one Ked, then the other, as she gently played with my foot.

   2013, Amy Briant, chapter 14, in Heavenly Moves, Tallahassee, Fla.: Bella Books, →ISBN, pages 258–259