knee-sprung

[ nee-spruhng ]

adjective

, Veterinary Pathology.

1. (of a horse, mule, etc.) having a forward bowing of the knee caused by shortening of the flexor tendons.

Word History and Origins

Origin of knee-sprung¹

An Americanism dating back to 1870–75

Example Sentences

The smaller of the two—but not by much—was a sloppy blond boy, rosy-cheeked and gum-chewing, with a relentlessly cheery demeanor and his fists thrust deep in the pockets of his knee-sprung trousers.

From Literature

Particularly when that animal's foundered and knee-sprung.

From Project Gutenberg

As the horses entered the stretch Geers spoke to his knee-sprung bay and he responded as only Robert J. could.

From Project Gutenberg

I let him have my old paint pony, Freckles—him being knee-sprung and not up to cow-work.

From Project Gutenberg

An hour later he emerges, well fed, revives his knee-sprung horse, lights a fresh cigarette, cracks his whip like a package of torpedoes, and goes clattering off in search of a customer.

From Project Gutenberg