calk

[ kawk ]

noun

1. Also a projection on a horseshoe to prevent slipping on ice, pavement, etc.
2. Also a similar device on the heel or sole of a shoe to prevent slipping.

verb (used with object)

1. to provide with calks.
2. to injure with a calk.

calk

¹

/ kɔːk /

verb

1. a variant spelling of caulk

calk

²

/ ˈkɔːkɪn; kɔːk; ˈkæl- /

noun

1. a metal projection on a horse's shoe to prevent slipping
2. a set of spikes or a spiked plate attached to the sole of a boot, esp by loggers, to prevent slipping

verb

1. to provide with calks
2. to wound with a calk

calk

³

/ kɔːk /

verb

1. tr to transfer (a design) by tracing it with a blunt point from one sheet backed with loosely fixed colouring matter onto another placed underneath

Word History and Origins

Origin of calk¹

1580–90; perhaps a back formation from calkin, taken as a verb calk + -in present participle suffix ( Middle English -inde ), confused with -ing ²

Word History and Origins

Origin of calk¹

C17: from Latin calx heel

Origin of calk²

C17: from French calquer to trace; see calque

Example Sentences

The carpenter is going to set a post under it in the lower deck, and calk the leaky upper parts, and so we shall go on to America.

From Project Gutenberg

The load sank the weak scow so deeply that the water ran into cracks in her side, despite their calking; and as they were afraid to embark the whole expedition, two trips were made.

From Project Gutenberg

Also the house has to be "calked" occasionally to keep out draughts and more particularly creeping enemies of the hive, like bee-moths and bee-lice.

From Project Gutenberg

Indeed, he made it in broad daylight, with Barnes not a hundred yards away, calking a dory whose seams had sprung a leak.

From Project Gutenberg

The next day they drew their leaking crafts ashore, and calked them for another sea adventure.

From Project Gutenberg