horse-collar

[ hawrs-kol-er ]

noun

1. (especially in baseball) a score of zero.

verb (used with object)

1. to prevent (an opposing baseball team or batter) from scoring or making a base hit.

Word History and Origins

Origin of horse-collar¹

First recorded in 1945–50

Example Sentences

The league made the horse-collar tackle illegal several years ago because a defender’s body weight ends up on the legs of the ball carrier, enhancing the risk of injury.

From Washington Times

The league made the horse-collar tackle illegal several years ago because a defender’s body weight ends up on the legs of the ball carrier, enhancing risk of injury.

From Seattle Times

The 77-yard completion — and a horse-collar tackle penalty — put the Packers at the 3.

From Seattle Times

The 77-yard completion - and a horse-collar tackle penalty - put the Packers at the 3.

From Washington Times

Brown on third down with 7 seconds left, compounding his error by committing a horse-collar tackle that moved the Eagles to the Rams 14-yard line.

From Washington Times