Boot

bōōt, n. a covering for the foot and lower part of the leg generally made of leather: an infamous instrument of judicial torture, in which the legs were forced into a strong case and wedges driven in until bone, muscle, and marrow were crushed together—also Boot′ikin : a box or receptacle in a coach.— v.t. to put on boots.— n. Boot′-clos′er , one who closes the upper leathers of boots.— pa.p. Boot′ed , having boots on, equipped for riding.— ns. Boot′-hook , an instrument for pulling on long boots; Boot′hose ( Shak. ), hose or stockings used in place of boots; Boot′-jack , an instrument for taking off boots; Boot′lace , a lace for fastening boots; Boot′-last , Boot′-tree , the last or wooden mould on which boots or shoes are made or stretched to keep their shape.— adj. Boot′le , without boots: referring also, as in Tennyson's metaphorical use, 'wedded to a bootle calf,' to the ancient custom at a marriage by proxy of the quasi bridegroom putting one unbooted leg into the bride's bed.— n. Boots , the servant at an inn who cleans the boots, runs me ages, .—in combination, as Lazy boots , Sly boots .— Boot and saddle (a corr. of Fr. bouteselle , place saddle), the signal to cavalry to mount.— Like old boots ( slang ), vigorously, heartily.— Six feet in his boots , quite six feet high.— To die in his boots , to be cut off in the midst of health, as by the rope; To have one's heart in one's boots , to be in a state of extreme terror. [O. Fr. bote (mod. botte )—Low L. bott a , bota , of dubious origin.]