I. ˈkaf, ˈkäf, dial also ˈkāf noun
( plural calves ˈkavz, ˈkȧvz, ˈkāvz ; also calfs )
Usage: often attributive
Etymology: Middle English, from Old English cealf; akin to Old High German kalb calf
Date: before 12th century
1.
a. : the young of the domestic cow ; also : that of a closely related mammal (as a bison)
b. : the young of various large animals (as the elephant or whale)
2. plural calfs : the hide of the domestic calf ; especially : calfskin
3. : an awkward or silly youth
• calf·like ˈkaf-ˌlīk, ˈkäf-, dial also ˈkāf- adjective
•
- in calf
II. noun
( plural calves ˈkavz, ˈkävz)
Etymology: Middle English, from Old Norse kālfi
Date: 14th century
: the fleshy back part of the leg below the knee