I. ˈsplint noun
also splent ˈsplent
Etymology: Middle English, from Middle Low German splinte, splente; probably akin to Middle Dutch splitten to split
Date: 14th century
1. : a small plate or strip of metal used in making armor
2.
a. : a thin strip of wood suitable for interweaving (as into baskets)
b. : splinter
c. : material or a device used to protect and immobilize a body part (as a broken arm)
3. : a bony enlargement on the upper part of the cannon bone of a horse usually on the inside of the leg
II. transitive verb
Date: 15th century
1. : to support and immobilize (as a broken bone) with a splint
2. : to brace with or as if with splints