spindleshanks

American  

[spin-dl-shangks] / ˈspɪn dlˌʃæŋks /

noun

(used with a singular or plural verb)

plural

spindleshanks

1. spindlelegs.

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Other Word Forms

• spindle-shanked adjective

Etymology

Origin of spindleshanks

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

Example Sentences

Mickey Mantle's spindleshanks spoiled what might have been his best season, stranding him on the bench for a third of the year.

From Time Magazine Archive

To think I feared you once, old spindleshanks!

From Krindlesyke by Gibson, Wilfrid Wilson

"Oh, if you'd seen her!" says he—"such spindleshanks!"

From The Hoyden by Duchess

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

From The English Novel And the Principle of its Development by Lanier, Sidney

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.

From Hygienic Physiology : with Special Reference to the Use of Alcoholic Drinks and Narcotics by Steele, Joel Dorman