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foreleg

American  
[fawr-leg, fohr-] / ˈfɔrˌlɛg, ˈfoʊr- /

noun

  1. one of the front legs of a quadruped, an insect, etc.


foreleg British  
/ ˈfɔːˌlɛɡ /

noun

  1. either of the front legs of a horse, sheep, or other quadruped

"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 foreleg

First recorded in 1375–1425, foreleg is from the late Middle English word forlegge. See fore-, leg

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:

The elephant was reported to be underweight, have rough skin and abscesses on both hips, thinning foot pads, and a stiff left foreleg, making it difficult for him to walk and stand.

From Washington Times Jul. 2, 2023

Rio Moon “suffered a catastrophic injury to his left foreleg a few strides after the wire,” according to notes in the Equibase chart for the sixth race.

From Seattle Times May 14, 2023

They extend a foreleg or raise a knee; they balance for long periods.

From Washington Post Oct. 4, 2019

The newborn colt was having difficulty breathing, and his right foreleg was tucked awkwardly under his body, a result of the difficult delivery.

From New York Times Apr. 28, 2013

In spite of the rain and the throbbing pulse down his foreleg, he felt ready to sleep where he was, stretched upon the planking.

From "Watership Down: A Novel" by Richard Adams

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