Emily Dickinson Lexicon

HOOF, n. [Sax. hof; G. huf; D. hoef; Dan. hov; Sw. hof, a hoof, and a measure. Class Gb. No. 31.]

1. The horny substance that covers or terminates the feet of certain animals, as horses, oxen, sheep, goats, deer, &c.
2. An animal; a beast. He had not a single hoof of any kind to slaughter. Washington.