peg leg

American  

noun

1. an artificial leg, especially a wooden one.

2. a person with an artificial leg.

---

peg leg British  

noun

1. an artificial leg, esp one made of wood

2. a person with an artificial leg

---

Other Word Forms

• peglegged adjective

Etymology

Origin of peg leg

First recorded in 1760–70

Example Sentences

With heavy legs and the lowest of expectations, I walked into the dimly lit restaurant in search of the man with a peg leg or the woman with the beard.

From Slate • Jul. 16, 2020

I shakily boarded the plane, hobbling down the aisle like I had a peg leg, and sat grinning at the ceiling.

From The Guardian • Jun. 30, 2020

Every day, on board the Pequod, Ishmael looks out for a glimpse of Ahab, with a peg leg made out of whalebone.

From The New Yorker • Jul. 22, 2019

Over time, the myth of the pirate has generated the image of a rugged, foul man with an elaborate hat, an eye patch, and a peg leg.

From Time • Mar. 2, 2015

His peg leg is stretched out comfy; his real one is carrying both the beat and the guitar’s weight.

From "Jazz" by Toni Morrison