— toeless , adj. — toelike , adj.
/toh/ , n. , v. , toed, toeing .
n.
1. one of the terminal digits of the human foot.
2. an analogous part in certain animals.
3. the forepart of the foot or hoof of a horse or the like.
4. the forepart of anything worn on the foot, as of a shoe or stocking.
5. a part resembling a toe in shape or position.
6. Railroads. the end of a frog in front of the point and in the direction of the switch.
7. Mach.
a. a journal or part placed vertically in a bearing, as the lower end of a vertical shaft.
b. a curved partial cam lifting the flat surface of a follower and letting it drop; wiper.
8. Golf. the outer end of the head of a club.
9. on one's toes , energetic; alert; ready: The spirited competition kept them on their toes.
10. step or tread on (someone's) toes , to offend (a person); encroach on the territory or sphere of responsibility of (another): The new employee stepped on a lot of toes when he suggested reorganizing the office.
v.t.
11. to furnish with a toe or toes.
12. to touch or reach with the toes: The pitcher toed the mound, wound up, and threw a fastball.
13. to kick with the toe.
14. Golf. to strike (the ball) with the toe of the club.
15. Carpentry.
a. to drive (a nail) obliquely.
b. to toenail.
v.i.
16. to stand, walk, etc., with the toes in a specified position: to toe in.
17. to tap with the toe, as in dancing.
18. toe the line . See line 1 (def. 70).
[ bef. 900; ME; OE ta; c. D teen, G Zehe, ON ta ]