Pastern | n. [ Of. pasturon, F. pâturon, fr. OF. pasture a tether, for beasts while pasturing; prop., a pasturing. See Pasture. ] 1. The part of the foot of the horse, and allied animals, between the fetlock and the coffin joint. See Illust. of Horse. [ 1913 Webster ] ☞ The upper bone, or phalanx, of the foot is called the great pastern bone; the second, the small pastern bone; and the third, in the hoof, the coffin bone. [ 1913 Webster ] Pastern joint, the joint in the hoof of the horse, and allied animals, between the great and small pastern bones. [ 1913 Webster ] 2. A shackle for horses while pasturing. Knight. [ 1913 Webster ] 3. A patten. [ Obs. ] Dryden. [ 1913 Webster ] |