I. ˈ ̷ ̷| ̷ ̷ ̷ ̷ adjective
Etymology: flat (I) + footed
1. : affected with flatfoot ; broadly : walking with the somewhat dragging or shambling gait characteristic of a person with severe flatfeet
2. : having a flat base
a flat-footed rail
3.
a. : firm and well balanced on the feet
a flat-footed stance
b. : free from reservation : complete and determined : forthright
flat-footed support for an idea
4. : found in an unprepared state : unready — used chiefly in the phrase catch one flat-footed
• flat-foot·ed·ly adverb
• flat-foot·ed·ness noun -es
II. adverb
: openly and determinedly : flatly