hu:f n. & v. --n. (pl. hoofs or hooves) thehornypart of the foot of a horse, antelope, andother ungulates. --v. 1 tr. strikewith a hoof. 2 tr. sl. kick or shove. øhoof it sl. 1 go on foot. 2 dance. on the hoof (of cattle) notyet slaughtered. øøhoofed adj. (also in comb.). [OE hof f. Gmc]