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

Time Traveler

The first known use of spavin was in the 15th century

See more words from the same century

Cite this Entry

Style

“Spavin.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/spavin. Accessed 4 Dec. 2024.

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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

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spavin

noun

Word History

Dictionary Entries Near spavin

Cite this Entry

Kids Definition