n. & v.
n. (pl. hoofs or hooves) the horny part of the foot of a horse, antelope, and other ungulates.
v. 1 tr. strike with a hoof. 2 tr. sl. kick or shove. hoof it sl. 1 go on foot. 2 dance. on the hoof (of cattle) not yet slaughtered. hoofed adj. (also in comb.).
[ OE hof f. Gmc ]