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Synonyms

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

Once there, something peculiar happened: The spider reached up with a foreleg.

From Washington Post Jun. 14, 2018

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

Late in December, Seabiscuit overstepped in a workout and kicked himself in the left foreleg, dinging the suspensory ligament.

From "Seabiscuit: An American Legend" by Laura Hillenbrand

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