The gathering together of a herd of animals for the purpose of branding, castrating, moving to other pastures or to the commercial market, vaccinating and other veterinarian procedures.

Cowboys traditionally performed this role in the American West. Cattle used to roam free before fenses became common. Skillful horsemanship allowed the cowboys to separate out cattle by the owners' brands.

Round"-up` (?), n.

The act of collecting or gathering together scattered cattle by riding around them and driving them in. [Western U.S.]

© Webster 1913

Round"-up`, n.

1.

A rounding up, or upward curvature or convexity, as in the deck of a vessel.

2.

A gathering in of scattered persons or things; as, s round-up of criminals. [Colloq., U. S.]

© Webster 1913