DCHP-1 Online

caulk

• 1 n. one of a number of sharp spikes set into an iron plate that fits over a shoe or boot, or set in the sole of the boot itself; also, the fitted patten.

  See also: creeper spike  

  • 1805  In Canada it is customary during the winter season . . . to wear on the feet a sort of patten, called caulks.
  • 1941  Creepers [are] bands of iron fitted with caulks. . . .

• 2a n. a strong boot the sole of which is studded with steel spikes, or caulks, used by loggers to keep from slipping on wet or sloping logs.

  See also: caulked boot  

  • 1942  (1946)  The logger is careful to keep his caulks in good shape. . . .
  • 1943  Not with guns we fought that meet, but with fists and caulk-shod feet. . . .

• 2b n. Figurative use. See quote.

  • 1942  (1946)  Quitting the woods for good a logger is likely to talk about "hanging up his caulks". . . .