spavin

noun

spav·​in ˈspa-vən How to pronounce spavin (audio)
: 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

Dictionary Entries Near spavin

spavied

spavin

spavindy

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Cite this Entry

“Spavin.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/spavin. Accessed 28 Nov. 2024.

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Kids Definition

spavin

noun
spav·​in ˈspav-ən How to pronounce spavin (audio)
: a swelling of the hock of a horse associated with strain

Medical Definition

spavin

noun
spav·​in ˈspav-ən How to pronounce spavin (audio)
: osteoarthritis of the hock of a horse
spavined
-ənd How to pronounce spavin (audio)
adjective
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