n. [ Akin to D. splinter, G. splinter, splitter, Dan. splint, Sw. splint a kind of spike, a forelock (in nautical use), Sw. splintato splint, splinter, Dan. splinte, and E. split. See Split, v. t., and cf. Splent. ] 1. A piece split off; a splinter. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. (Surg.) A thin piece of wood, or other substance, used to keep in place, or protect, an injured part, especially a broken bone when set. [ 1913 Webster ]

3. (Anat.) A splint bone. [ 1913 Webster ]

4. (Far.) A disease affecting the splint bones, as a callosity or hard excrescence. [ 1913 Webster ]

5. (Anc. Armor.) One of the small plates of metal used in making splint armor. See Splint armor, below. [ 1913 Webster ]

The knees and feet were defended by splints, or thin plates of steel. Sir. W. Scott. [ 1913 Webster ]

6. Splint, or splent, coal. See Splent coal, under Splent. [ 1913 Webster ]

Splint armor, a kind of ancient armor formed of thin plates of metal, usually overlapping each other and allowing the limbs to move freely. --
Splint bone (Anat.), one of the rudimentary, splintlike metacarpal or metatarsal bones on either side of the cannon bone in the limbs of the horse and allied animals. --
Splint coal. See Splent coal, under Splent. [ 1913 Webster ]

v. t. [ imp. & p. p. Splinted; p. pr. & vb. n. Splinting. ] To split into splints, or thin, slender pieces; to splinter; to shiver. [ Obs. or R. ] Florio. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. To fasten or confine with splints, as a broken limb. See Splint, n., 2. [ R. ] Shak. [ 1913 Webster ]

v. t. [ imp. & p. p. Splintered p. pr. & vb. n. Splintering. ] [ Cf. LG. splittern, splinteren. See Splint, n., Split. ] 1. To split or rend into long, thin pieces; to shiver; as, the lightning splinters a tree. [ 1913 Webster ]

After splintering their lances, they wheeled about, and . . . abandoned the field to the enemy. Prescott. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. To fasten or confine with splinters, or splints, as a broken limb. Bp. Wren. [ 1913 Webster ]

v. i. To become split into long pieces. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. [ See Splinter, v., or Splint, n. ] A thin piece split or rent off lengthwise, as from wood, bone, or other solid substance; a thin piece; a sliver; as, splinters of a ship's mast rent off by a shot. [ 1913 Webster ]

Splinter bar. (a) A crossbar in a coach, which supports the springs. (b) The bar to which the traces are attached; a roller bolt; a whiffletree. [ 1913 Webster ]

a. (Mil.) Proof against the splinters, or fragments, of bursting shells. [ 1913 Webster ]

a. Consisting of splinters; resembling splinters; as, the splintery fracture of a mineral. [ 1913 Webster ]