fetlock

noun

fet·​lock ˈfet-ˌläk How to pronounce fetlock (audio)
1
a
: a projection bearing a tuft of hair on the back of the leg above the hoof of a horse or similar animal see horse illustration
b
: the tuft of hair itself
2
: the joint of the limb at the fetlock

Examples of fetlock in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Before the rule went into effect, the state had 83 catastrophic fetlock failures in 20 months. Joe Drape, BostonGlobe.com, 2 Sep. 2023 New York Thunder had to be put down after shattering his left front fetlock. Joe Drape, BostonGlobe.com, 2 Sep. 2023 Lazarus said the authority would adopt the California rule of banning steroid fetlock injections within 30 days of a race. Joe Drape, BostonGlobe.com, 2 Sep. 2023 The 3-year-old filly's fetlock, a joint between the cannon bone and the pastern, of her right front leg was separated. Caleb Wiegandt, The Courier-Journal, 20 June 2023 Parker's other offspring, a male calf, was euthanized at three weeks old in July 2022 after the zoo's veterinary staff could not correct a congenital abnormality in the calf's left front fetlock joint, USA Today reported. Anna Lazarus Caplan, Peoplemag, 14 Feb. 2023 His other offspring, a male giraffe born to Kipenzi on July 12, 2022, was euthanized at three weeks old after multiple interventions to correct a congenital abnormality of his left front fetlock joint failed. Marcia Greenwood, USA TODAY, 14 Feb. 2023 Even fans who wouldn’t know a furlong from a fetlock, understand that Derby Day requires the widest brims, the boldest colors and the most outrageous equestrian clichés. Michael Solomon, Forbes, 7 May 2022 First racing fatality Del Mar nearly made it through the entire meeting (almost 2,500 starters) without a racing fatality, but the 2-year-old colt Honor Award was euthanized after suffering a fractured right front fetlock in the second race. Bill Center, San Diego Union-Tribune, 6 Sep. 2021

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'fetlock.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Middle English fitlok, fetlak; akin to Old English fōt foot

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of fetlock was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near fetlock

Cite this Entry

“Fetlock.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fetlock. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

fetlock

noun
fet·​lock ˈfet-ˌläk How to pronounce fetlock (audio)
1
: a projection with a bunch of hair on the back of a horse's leg above the hoof
2
: the bunch of hair growing out of the fetlock

Medical Definition

fetlock

noun
fet·​lock ˈfet-ˌläk How to pronounce fetlock (audio)
1
a
: a projection bearing a tuft of hair on the back of the leg above the hoof of a horse or similar animal
b
: the tuft of hair itself
2
: the joint of the limb at the fetlock

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