spindleshanks

[spin-dl-shangks]

noun

(used with a singular or plural verb)

plural

spindleshanks 

1. spindlelegs.

Other Word Forms

• spindle-shanked adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of spindleshanks¹

First recorded in 1560–70; spindle + shank + -s ³

Example Sentences

He was dressed in Knickerbockers, with red stockings, which displayed his poor little spindleshanks; he also wore a brilliant red cravat.

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"Odds fudge—you have spindleshanks!" cried Madcap Moll irrelevantly.

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To think I feared you once, old spindleshanks!

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The oarsman will become "stale" unless the method of exercise is varied; the gymnast will develop the upper part of his body, while his lower extremities will remain spindleshanks.

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