CALK

I.

variant of caulk

II. noun

or caulk ˈkȯk

( -s )

Etymology: probably back-formation from calkin (taken as a plural or a verbal noun), from Middle English kakun, from Middle Dutch or Old North French; Middle Dutch calcoen horse's hoof, from Old North French calcain heel, from Latin calcaneum, from calc-, calx; akin to Lithuanian kulnis heel, Sanskrit kaṭi hip, Greek kōlon limb, Old High German scelah squinting, crooked — more at cylinder

1. : a tapered wedge or cone-shaped piece of iron or steel projecting downward on the shoe of a draft animal to prevent slipping — called also calkin

2. : a pointed metal piece or a device with sharp points worn on the sole of a shoe or boot to prevent slipping

III. transitive verb

or caulk “

( -ed/-ing/-s )

1. : to furnish with calks to prevent slipping

calk the shoes of a horse

2. : to wound with a calk

the lame horse has calked himself