fetlock

[ fet-lok ]

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

/ 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 calledfetlock joint the joint at this part of the leg
3. the tuft of hair growing from this part

Word History and Origins

Origin of fetlock¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of fetlock¹

C14 fetlak ; related to Middle High German vizzeloch fetlock, from vizzel pastern + -och ; see foot

Example Sentences

Sedgett, as I passed, made a sweep at my horse's knees, and took them a little over the fetlock.

From Project Gutenberg

Across the beautiful white shoulders and reaching down clear to the fetlock there ran a broad stain, dull red and horrible.

From Project Gutenberg

More than one horseman turned home that day with a red bandage round his horse's fetlock, for Kilmanagh stones are sharp.

From Project Gutenberg

Violette sprang madly forward, and I thought she had been wounded, but it was only a graze above the near fore-fetlock.

From Project Gutenberg

Pastern, pas′tėrn, n. the part of a horse's foot from the fetlock to the hoof, where the shackle is fastened.

From Project Gutenberg