hook-footed
|hook-foot-ed|
/ˈhʊkˌfʊtɪd/
having hook-like feet
Etymology
'hook-footed' is a compound formed from 'hook' + 'foot' with the adjectival suffix '-ed'. 'hook' comes from Old English 'hōc' meaning 'hook', and 'foot' comes from Old English 'fōt' meaning 'foot'.
'hook' originates from Old English 'hōc' and developed into Middle English 'hok(e)' and modern English 'hook'; 'foot' originates from Old English 'fōt' and became modern English 'foot'. The adjectival compound pattern (noun + noun + -ed) is a productive Modern English formation (compare 'red-headed', 'long-legged'), yielding 'hook-footed'.
Initially it literally described having 'hook-like' feet, and that literal meaning has been preserved in modern usage.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Adjective 1
having feet that are hooked or curved like hooks; having claws or talons that are hook-shaped and used for grasping.
The hook-footed raptor clutched the prey in its powerful talons.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Last updated: 2025/09/30 17:02