horseshoe

Definition

The U-shaped shoe of a horse, now typically made of metal; by extension, a representation of this used to play the game horseshoes, hung as a luck charm, etc.

Etymology

From Middle English horsscho, horssho, horscho, hors schoo, equivalent to horse + shoe.

Example Sentences

• "And what has been thus affirmed of other leading commodities; the blacksmith, for example, no longer making, but buying his horseshoes, nails, nuts, and bolts;"
• "The ancient Romans [...] used leather horseshoes; the Chinese made straw sandals for their mounts; and American Indians used leather moccasins, which they tied around their horses ' ankles. In days of old, people took their horses to the smithy to be shod."
• "Each player has a turn at tossing his horseshoes, one at a time, at the stob opposite him. His opponent then throws his horseshoes."