straight-legged
|straight-leg-ged|
/ˈstreɪtˌlɛɡɪd/
having straight legs
Etymology
'straight-legged' originates from English, specifically the words 'straight' and 'leg', where 'straight' meant 'not bent or crooked' and 'leg' meant 'limb or support.'
'straight' comes from Old English 'streht' (from the verb 'streccan' meaning 'to stretch'), and 'leg' comes from Old English 'leg' or 'legge.' The adjective form with the suffix '-ed' (as in 'long-legged', 'bare-legged') developed in Modern English to form compound adjectives like 'straight-legged.'
Initially the components meant 'not bent' ('straight') and 'limb' ('leg'); combined as 'straight-legged' the meaning — 'having straight legs' — has remained straightforward and stable in modern usage.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Adjective 1
having legs that are straight (not bowed or bent), used of a person or animal.
The doctor said the child was straight-legged after the treatment.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Adjective 2
having straight (not curved or tapered) legs, used of furniture or objects (e.g., a table or lamp).
She preferred the straight-legged table for her minimalist dining room.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Last updated: 2025/09/30 17:57