DCHP-2

caulked boot DCHP-1 (pre-1967)

• 1

  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: caulk (def. 2a)  caulk boot  cork(ed) boot  river boot  spiked boot  cork boot  

  • 1943  About this time . . . loggers landed in town clad in stagged-off pants, their caulked shoes flashing sparks on the . . . pavements. . . .
  • 1964  Caulked boots with a row of steel nails down the sides gave a certain traction on the slippery logs. . . .

• 2 — Figurative use

  See quote.

  • 1942  (1946)  Quitting the woods for good a logger is likely to talk about . .. "throwing his caulked boots in the stove."