boot

boot [-s] n

ME > OFr < L.

1. Hoof; animal foot.
2. Tread; pace; stride; step in a funeral march; [fig.] load; weight; encumbrance; heavy burden.
3. Footwear; high-top walking shoe; leather casing for feet; covering for the foot and lower leg; [fig.] progression; initiative; forward motion.
4. Will to act; desire to serve.
5. Claw; pincer; bird's lower extremity; bird appendage for perching.
6. Root; underground fibrous system for a plant; [fig.] base; foundation.