even-legged
|e-ven-leg-ged|
/ˌiːvənˈlɛɡɪd/
having equal legs
Etymology
'even-legged' is a modern English compound formed from 'even' + 'legged'. 'even' originates from Old English 'efen' meaning 'level, equal' (from Proto-Germanic *ebnaz). 'leg' originates from Old English 'leg' (and is related to Old Norse 'leggr'), ultimately from Proto-Germanic roots meaning 'limb', and the suffix '-ed' forms the adjective 'legged'.
'even' developed from Old English 'efen' into Middle English 'even' and the modern form 'even'. 'leg' was present in Old English and combined with the adjectival suffix '-ed' to produce compounds like 'two-legged' and later 'even-legged' in modern English usage.
Originally conveying the idea of 'level' or 'equal' (as in 'even'), combined with 'leg' to mean 'level-limbed' or 'having legs of equal length'; this core sense has largely remained, though occasionally the compound has been used to indicate 'having an even number of legs'.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Adjective 1
having legs of equal length or arranged so the legs are level and balanced (used of animals, furniture, people, etc.).
The table is even-legged, so it doesn't wobble on the kitchen floor.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Adjective 2
(rare) Having an even number of legs (used in biological or informal description).
The term was used informally to describe insects with an even number of legs, though it's uncommon in scientific usage.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Last updated: 2025/12/08 20:45