shoehorn Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun a device used for easing the foot into a shoe
  2. verb fit for a specific purpose even when not well suited

WordNet


Shoe"horn`, Shoe"ing-horn` noun (Also<
  • Shoehorn
  • Shoeing-horn
)
Definitions
  1. A curved piece of polished horn, wood, or metal used to facilitate the entrance of the foot into a shoe.
  2. Figuratively: (a) Anything by which a transaction is facilitated; a medium; -- by way of contempt. Spectator. (b) Anything which draws on or allures; an inducement. Low Beau & Fl. verb shoehorn = squeeze into a tight-fitting place, as with a shoehorn. Also fig.

Webster 1913