pastern Meaning, Definition & Usage

Pas"tern noun

Etymology

Of. pasturon, F. pâturon, fr. OF. pasture a tether, for beasts while pasturing; prop., a pasturing. See Pasture.

Definitions

1. The part of the foot of the horse, and allied animals, between the fetlock and the coffin joint. See Illust. of Horse. ✍ The upper bone, or phalanx, of the foot is called the great pastern bone; the second, the small pastern bone; and the third, in the hoof, the coffin bone.
2. A shackle for horses while pasturing. Knight.
3. A patten. Obs. Dryden.