cloven-hoofed

[ kloh-vuhn-hooft, -hooft ]

adjective

1. having split hoofs, once assumed to represent the halves of a single undivided hoof, as in cattle.
2. devilish; Satanic.

Word History and Origins

Origin of cloven-hoofed¹

First recorded in 1640–50

Example Sentences

The great cloven-hoofed with hollow horns, for the ox is found in America, under the form of the bison.

From Project Gutenberg

The large cloven-hoofed with hollow horns, as the ox and the buffalo, with their varieties.

From Project Gutenberg

The small cloven-hoofed beasts with hollow horns; for sheep, goats, gazelles, or antelopes existed in America.

From Project Gutenberg

The cloven-hoofed horse gave one shrill neigh, and one convulsion, and fell back dead.

From Project Gutenberg

And nearer, you could also see a cloven-hoofed faun who had surprised her thus.

From Project Gutenberg