foot

[[t]fʊt[/t]]

n. pl. feetfor1-4, 8-16, 19, 21; foots for20;

1) zool. (in vertebrates) the terminal part of the leg, below the ankle joint, on which the body stands and moves

2) zool. (in invertebrates) any part similar in position or function

3) wam a unit of length, orig. derived from the length of the human foot, that is divided into 12 inches and equal to 30.48 centimeters

Abbr.: ft. 3),f. 12)

4) walking or running motion; pace:

swift of foot[/ex]

5) quality or character of movement or motion; tread; step

6) any part or thing resembling a foot, as in function, placement, or shape

7) fur a shaped or ornamented feature terminating the lower part of a leg or serving as the base of a piece of furniture

8) a rim, flange, or flaring part, often distinctively treated, serving as a base for a table furnishing or utensil, as a glass, teapot, or candlestick

9) clo the part of a stocking, sock, etc., covering the foot

10) an attachment on a sewing machine that holds and guides the fabric

11) the lowest part, or bottom, as of a hill, ladder, or page

12) a supporting part; base

13) the part of anything opposite the top or head:

the foot of a bed[/ex]

14) pri the part of the type body that forms the sides of the groove, at the base

15) the last, as of a series

16) that which is written at the bottom, as the total of an account

17) pro a group of syllables constituting a metrical unit of a verse

18) Usu., foots

a) sediment or dregs

b) sbz footlights

19) naut. navig. Naut. the lower edge of a sail

20) to walk; go on foot (often fol. by it):

We'll have to foot it[/ex]

21) to move the feet rhythmically, as to music or in dance (often fol. by it)

22) navig. (of a boat) to move forward; sail

23) to walk or dance on

24) mad to perform (a dance)

25) to traverse on or as if on foot

26) to make or attach a foot to

27) to pay or settle:

to foot the bill[/ex]

28) bus to add (a column of figures) and set the sum at the foot

29) to seize with talons, as a hawk

30) to establish

31) archaic to kick, esp. to kick away

32) cvb Obs. to set foot on

•

- get off on the right (or wrong) foot on foot put one's foot down put one's foot in one's mouth set foot on or in under foot

Etymology: bef. 900; ME; OE fōt