Main Entry: ¹calf

Pronunciation: \ˈkaf, ˈkäf, dial also ˈkāf\

Function: noun

Inflected Form(s): plural calves \ˈkavz, ˈkȧvz, ˈkāvz\ also calfs

Usage: often attributive

Etymology: Middle English, from Old English cealf; akin to Old High German kalb calf

Date: before 12th century

1 a : the young of the domestic cow; also : that of a closely related mammal (as a bison) b : the young of various large animals (as the elephant or whale)
2 plural calfs : the hide of the domestic calf; especially : calfskin
3 : an awkward or silly youth

— calf·like \ˈkaf-ˌlīk, ˈkäf-, dial also ˈkāf-\ adjective

— in calf : pregnant —used of a cow