I. ˈfu̇t noun
( plural feet ˈfēt ; also foot )
Etymology: Middle English fot, from Old English fōt; akin to Old High German fuot foot, Latin ped-, pes, Greek pod-, pous
Date: before 12th century
1. : the terminal part of the vertebrate leg upon which an individual stands
2. : an invertebrate organ of locomotion or attachment ; especially : a ventral muscular surface or process of a mollusk
3. : any of various units of length based on the length of the human foot ; especially : a unit equal to 1/3 yard and comprising 12 inches — pl. foot used between a number and a noun
a 10- foot pole
— pl. feet or foot used between a number and an adjective
6 feet tall
— see weight table
4. : the basic unit of verse meter consisting of any of various fixed combinations or groups of stressed and unstressed or long and short syllables
5.
a. : motion or power of walking or running : step
fleet of foot
b. : speed , swiftness
showed early foot
6. : something resembling a foot in position or use: as
a. : the lower end of the leg of a chair or table
b.
(1) : the basal portion of the sporophyte in mosses
(2) : a specialized outgrowth by which the embryonic sporophyte especially of many bryophytes absorbs nourishment from the gametophyte
c. : a piece on a sewing machine that presses the cloth against the feed
7. foot plural , chiefly British : infantry
8. : the lower edge (as of a sail)
9. : the lowest part : bottom
the foot of the hill
10.
a. : the end that is lower or opposite the head
the foot of the bed
b. : the part (as of a stocking) that covers the foot
11. foots plural but singular or plural in construction : material deposited especially in aging or refining : dregs
12. foots plural : footlights
•
- at one's feet
- foot in the door
- off one's feet
- on foot
- on one's feet
- to one's feet
II. verb
Date: 15th century
intransitive verb
1. : dance
2. : to go on foot
3. of a sailboat : to make speed : move
transitive verb
1.
a. : to perform the movements of (a dance)
b. : to walk, run, or dance on, over, or through
2. archaic
a. : kick
b. : reject
3. archaic : establish
4.
a. : to add up
b. : to pay or stand credit for
foot the bill
5. : to make or renew the foot of (as a stocking)