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fetlock

American  
[fet-lok] / ˈfɛtˌlɒk /

noun

  1. the projection of the leg of a horse behind the joint between the cannon bone and great pastern bone, bearing a tuft of hair.

  2. the tuft of hair itself.

  3. Also called fetlock joint. the joint at this point.


fetlock British  
/ ˈfɛtˌlɒk /

noun

  1. a projection behind and above a horse's hoof: the part of the leg between the cannon bone and the pastern

  2. Also called: fetlock joint. the joint at this part of the leg

  3. the tuft of hair growing from this part

"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

Etymology

Origin of fetlock

1275–1325; Middle English fitlok, akin to Middle High German viz ( ze ) loch, ultimately derivative of Germanic *fet-, a gradational variant of *fot- foot


Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

See Examples For:

He had surgery for three broken bones in and around the fetlock of his right rear leg.

From Washington Times ● May 8, 2023

Ulysses, the morning-line 7-2 favorite in the Turf on Saturday, was diagnosed with mild inflammation of the left fetlock by the track veterinarian and was deleted Friday night from the field.

From Los Angeles Times ● Nov. 4, 2017

The colt was said to have “chronic bruising of the bottom of the cannon bone in all four fetlock joints.”

From New York Times ● Mar. 4, 2016

The nonprofit’s success in restricting development has made big properties all the more inviting to wealthy newcomers who may or may not know a forelock from a fetlock.

From Washington Post ● Apr. 10, 2015

I place my thumb and forefinger on the back of his fetlock.

From "Water for Elephants" by Sara Gruen

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