gambrel

[ gam-bruhl ]

noun

1. the hock of an animal, especially of a horse.
2. Also called gambrel stick. a wood or metal device for suspending a slaughtered animal.

gambrel

/ ˈɡæmbrəl /

noun

1. the hock of a horse or similar animal
2. a frame of wood or metal shaped like a horse's hind leg, used by butchers for suspending carcasses of meat
3. See gambrel roof
   short for gambrel roof

Word History and Origins

Origin of gambrel¹

1540–50; < Old North French gamberel, akin to French jambier legging, jambe leg

Word History and Origins

Origin of gambrel¹

C16: from Old Northern French gamberel, from gambe leg

Example Sentences

The Star and the Crescent have fitted up one room under the gambrel very tastefully.

From Project Gutenberg

The Old Gambrel-roofed House could not boast an unbroken ring of natural objects encircling it.

From Project Gutenberg

The appearance of the hind-part of the cow, from a point near the gambrel-joint up to the tail, Guenon calls the escutcheon.

From Project Gutenberg

On and still on I sped, the big, bright pumpkin slipping up and down the gambrel of my spirited horse at every jump.

From Project Gutenberg

Two large windows, one in each end of the gambrel roof, afforded light and air.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• ceiling
• house