on the hoof

hoof

horse hoof

hoof

 (ho͝of, ho͞of)

n. pl. hooves (ho͝ovz, ho͞ovz) or hoofs

1.

a. The horny sheath covering the toes or lower part of the foot of a mammal of the orders Perissodactyla and Artiodactyla, such as a horse, ox, or deer.

b. The foot of such an animal, especially a horse.

2. Slang The human foot.

v. hoofed, hoof·ing, hoofs

v.tr.

To trample with the hooves.

v.intr. Slang

1. To dance, especially as a professional.

2. To go on foot; walk.

Idioms:

hoof it Slang

1. To walk.

2. To dance.

on the hoof

Not yet butchered; alive. Used especially of cattle.

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[Middle English hof, from Old English hōf.]

American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright © 2016 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.