spavin

[ spav-in ]
/ ˈspæv ɪn /

noun Veterinary Pathology.

a disease of the hock joint of horses in which enlargement occurs because of collected fluids (bog spavin), bony growth (bone spavin), or distention of the veins (blood spavin).
an excrescence or enlargement so formed.

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the act of or need for making up one's mind.
dignified propriety of behavior, speech, dress, etc.
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Origin of spavin

1400–50; late Middle English spaveyne < Old French (e)spavain, esparvain swelling < ?

Words nearby spavin

spatterdash, spatterdock, spatula, spatulate, spaulder, spavin, spavined, spawn, spay, spaz, spaza shop
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British Dictionary definitions for spavin

spavin
/ (ˈspævɪn) /

noun

vet science enlargement of the hock of a horse by a bony growth (bony spavin) or fluid accumulation in the joint (bog spavin), usually caused by inflammation or injury, and often resulting in lameness

Word Origin for spavin

C15: from Old French espavin, of unknown origin
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