Dictionary.com

calk

[ kawk ]
/ kɔk /

noun

Also calkin. a projection on a horseshoe to prevent slipping on ice, pavement, etc.
Also calker. a similar device on the heel or sole of a shoe to prevent slipping.

verb (used with object)

to provide with calks.
to injure with a calk.

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Origin of calk

1580–90; perhaps a back formation from calkin, taken as a verb calk + -in present participle suffix (Middle English -inde), confused with -ing2

Words nearby calk

calix, Calixtine, Calixtus I, Calixtus II, Calixtus III, calk, calker, calkin, call, calla, callable
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2020

Example sentences from the Web for calk

British Dictionary definitions for calk (1 of 3)

calk1
/ (kɔːk) /

verb

a variant spelling of caulk

British Dictionary definitions for calk (2 of 3)

calk2

calkin (ˈkɔːkɪn, ˈkæl-)

/ (kɔːk) /

noun

a metal projection on a horse's shoe to prevent slipping
mainly US and Canadian a set of spikes or a spiked plate attached to the sole of a boot, esp by loggers, to prevent slipping

verb (tr)

to provide with calks
to wound with a calk

Word Origin for calk

C17: from Latin calx heel

British Dictionary definitions for calk (3 of 3)

calk3
/ (kɔːk) /

verb

(tr) to transfer (a design) by tracing it with a blunt point from one sheet backed with loosely fixed colouring matter onto another placed underneath

Word Origin for calk

C17: from French calquer to trace; see calque
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012