spavin

noun

spav·​in ˈspa-vən 

: swelling

especially : a bony enlargement of the hock of a horse associated with strain

Word History

Etymology

Middle English spavayne, from Middle French espavin, alteration of Old French esparvains, probably of Germanic origin; akin to Old High German sparo sparrow (likened to a lump)

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

spavin

noun

spav·​in ˈspav-ən 

: a swelling of the hock of a horse associated with strain

Medical Definition

spavin

noun

spav·​in ˈspav-ən 

: osteoarthritis of the hock of a horse

spavined

-ənd 

adjective