n. 1. A pointed extension on the toe or heels of a horseshoe, designed to prevent slipping. 2. A spiked plate that is fixed on the bottom of a shoe to prevent slipping and preserve the sole. [Probably back-formation from obsolete calkin, from Middle English kakun, possibly from Middle Dutch kalkoen, hoof, or from Old French calcain, heel (Middle Dutch, from Old French), from Latin calcāneum, heel bone; see CALCANEUS.] calk v. |
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition copyright ©2022 by HarperCollins Publishers. All rights reserved.
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The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition copyright ©2022 by HarperCollins Publishers. All rights reserved.