Merriam-Webster's Collegiate® Dictionary, 11th Edition
SHEPHERD
I. noun
Etymology: Middle English sheepherde, from Old English scēaphyrde, from scēap sheep + hierde herdsman; akin to Old English heord herd Date: before 12th century a person who tends sheep, pastor , German shepherd ,
II. transitive verb
Date: 1790
to tend as a shepherd, to guide or guard in the manner of a shepherd