Crossword Dictionary

What's The Definition Of Splint?

\Splint\, 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. 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. 3. (Anat.) A splint bone. 4. (Far.) A disease affecting the splint bones, as a callosity or hard excrescence. 5. (Anc. Armor.) One of the small plates of metal used in making splint armor. See {Splint armor}, below. The knees and feet were defended by splints, or thin plates of steel. --Sir. W. Scott. 6. Splint, or splent, coal. See {Splent coal}, under {Splent}. {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}.
\Splint\, 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. 2. To fasten or confine with splints, as a broken limb. See {Splint}, n., 2. [R.] --Shak.