spindleshanks

[ spin-dl-shangks ]

/ ˈspɪn dlˌʃæŋks /

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noun, plural spin·dle·shanks.(used with a singular or plural verb)

QUIZ

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Question 1 of 8

On the farm, the feed for chicks is significantly different from the roosters’; ______ not even comparable.

Origin of spindleshanks

First recorded in 1560–70; spindle + shank + -s³

spin·dle-shanked

[spin-dl-shangkt], /ˈspɪn dlˌʃæŋkt/, adjective

When a man has such spindleshanks as yours, he shouldn't put on so many airs.
Paul and His Dog, v.1 (Novels of Paul de Kock Volume XIII)|Charles Paul de Kock
Is your name, perhaps, Sheepshanks Cruickshanks, Spindleshanks?
The Blue Fairy Book|Various
Compliments are the makeshifts of the elderly to call away attention from their spindleshanks.
A Nest of Linnets|Frank Frankfort Moore
Perhaps they call you Sheepshanks, or Cruickshanks, or Spindleshanks?
Boys and Girls Bookshelf (Vol 2 of 17)|Various

Perhaps you are called Roast-ribs, or Sheepshanks, or Spindleshanks?
Household Stories by the Brothers Grimm|Jacob Grimm and Wilhelm Grimm