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calkin

calkin

9.9
A small metal piece on the bottom of a horseshoe that helps the horse not slip
  • noun
  • /ˈkɔːkɪn/
  • Specialized
translation icon : clavo
  • The blacksmith added a calkin to the horseshoe for better grip on icy roads.

Examples

  • Without a proper calkin, the horse might slip on wet surfaces.

  • Each calkin helps the horse maintain traction on slippery surfaces.

  • Special attention must be paid to the placement of each calkin during shoeing.

  • The blacksmith installed a new calkin on the horseshoe.

  • The blacksmith added a calkin to the horseshoe for better grip on icy roads.

  • Without a proper calkin, the horse might slip on wet surfaces.

  • Each calkin helps the horse maintain traction on slippery surfaces.

Synonyms

cleat
vscalkin
  • US
15 5.0

A small metal or plastic piece on a shoe sole that gives extra grip

applies to animal hoof gear rather than human sports footwear
calk
vscalkin
  • Specialized
9.9

A small metal spike on a horseshoe to stop slipping

is the same meaning but appears as a variant form in writing
crampoon
vscalkin
  • UK
9.9

Metal spikes fixed to a boot to stop slipping on ice

is fixed to animal hoof footwear for general grip instead of ice climbing use

How Grippy

spike
58 3.6
calkin
  • Specialized
9.9
cleat
  • US
15 5.0
to stud
5.8

Surface Forms

calkin singular
calkins plural

Morphology

calkin = calk (transparent) = calk + in

Formed from the noun 'calk' plus the instrument/forming suffix '-in', so the meaning is directly related to the base word.

Etymology

The word calkin comes from the old word calk, meaning 'a small peg' or 'nail' used for 'grip', so a calkin is the little metal point on a horseshoe that helps a horse keep its footing.