pastern

[ pas-tern ]

noun

1. the part of the foot of a horse, cow, etc., between the fetlock and the hoof.
2. either of the two bones of this part, the upper or first phalanx great pastern bone,orfetter bone and the lower or second phalanx small pastern bone, between which is a joint pastern joint.

pastern

/ ˈpæstən /

noun

1. the part of a horse's foot between the fetlock and the hoof
2. Also calledfetter bone either of the two bones that constitute this part

Word History and Origins

Origin of pastern¹

First recorded in 1300–50; Middle English pastron “shackle,” probably same word as Middle French pasturon, pastern, from unattested Vulgar Latin pastōria “herding” + Middle French -on noun suffix; pastor, -ia

Word History and Origins

Origin of pastern¹

C14: from Old French pasturon, from pasture a hobble, from Latin pāstōrius of a shepherd, from pastor

Example Sentences

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

The pastern joints above his striped hoofs were resilient as pliant springs.

From Project Gutenberg

Because of the pastern being horizontal, and aiding in the downward pressure, its change of form cannot be upwards.

From Project Gutenberg

The operation does nothing to impede the work of healing going on, and allows free movement of the foot and pastern to take place.

From Project Gutenberg

There was considerable swelling from the knee downwards, great pain, and evidence of fracture in the region of the pastern.

From Project Gutenberg