Main Entry:

²calk

Variant(s):

or caulk \ˈkȯk\

Function:

noun

Etymology:

probably alteration of calkin, from Middle English kakun, from Middle Dutch or Middle French dialect; Middle Dutch calcoen horse's hoof, from Middle French dialect (Walloon) calcain heel, from Latin calcaneum, from calc-, calx heel

Date:

1587

: a cleat on the shoe of a horse to prevent slipping ; also : a similar device worn on the sole of a shoe