1540s, "de-horned animal," from poll (v.2) + -ard. In reference to trees cut back nearly to the trunk, from 1610s. Such trees form a dense head of spreading branches, which can be cut for basket-making, etc.
pollard trees
polka
polka-dot
Poll
poll
pollack
pollard
pollen
pollinate
pollination
polliwog
pollster