frog1
n.
- a tailless amphibian with a short squat body, moist smooth skin, and very long hind legs for leaping.
[Many species, chiefly in family Ranidae.]
-
(Frog)
informal, derogatory a French person.
Phrase
- have a frog in one's throat
informal lose one's voice or find it hard to speak because of hoarseness.
Derivative
Etymology
OE frogga, of Gmc origin; a general term of abuse in ME. Its application to the French (C18) is partly alliterative, partly from the reputation of the French for eating frogs' legs.
frog2
n.
- a thing used to hold or fasten something.
- an ornamental coat fastener consisting of a spindle-shaped button and a loop.
- an attachment to a belt for holding a sword or bayonet.
- a perforated or spiked device for holding the stems of flowers in an arrangement.
Derivative
Etymology
C18: perh. a use of frog1, influenced by Ital. forchetta or Fr. fourchette ‘small fork’, because of the shape.
frog3
n.
an elastic horny pad growing in the sole of a horse's hoof, helping to absorb the shock when the hoof hits the ground.
Etymology
C17: perh. from frog1; perh. also influenced by Ital. forchetta or Fr. fourchette (see frog2).
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