noun
- a metal projection or spike fastened to the bottom of a horseshoe to prevent slipping on ice or hard ground
Usage: also spelled 'calk'; chiefly used in farriery and equestrian contexts
Examples
- The blacksmith installed calkins on the horse's shoes for winter travel.
- Calkins provide extra grip when horses work on icy roads.
- The farrier checked the calkins to ensure they weren't worn down.
- Without calkins, the horse would slip dangerously on the frozen ground.