calk

[ kawk ]

noun

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

verb (used with object)

1. to provide with calks.
2. to injure with a calk.

calk

¹

/ kɔːk /

verb

1. See caulk
   a variant spelling of caulk

calk

²

/ ˈkɔːkɪn; kɔːk; ˈkæl- /

noun

1. a metal projection on a horse's shoe to prevent slipping
2. a set of spikes or a spiked plate attached to the sole of a boot, esp by loggers, to prevent slipping

verb

1. to provide with calks
2. to wound with a calk

calk

³

/ kɔːk /

verb

1. 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 History and Origins

Origin of calk¹

1580–90; perhaps a back formation from calkin, taken as a verb calk + -in present participle suffix ( Middle English -inde ), confused with -ing ²

Word History and Origins

Origin of calk¹

C17: from Latin calx heel

Origin of calk²

C17: from French calquer to trace; see calque

Example Sentences

Yes, I always chunk well and calk good with moss before I mud it, then you have a good warm camp.

From Project Gutenberg

They make honey from this tree; also oakum with which to calk ships, which lasts in the water, when that from here would rot.

From Project Gutenberg

There can be grouped in the class of infectious affections such conditions as nail pricks, calk wounds and canker.

From Project Gutenberg

In some instances, the pastern joint is opened by calk wounds and then, of course, an infectious arthritis succeeds the injury.

From Project Gutenberg

If so, make them tight with batten strips or, if very loose, calk them with oakum.

From Project Gutenberg