Leg, s. The limb by which animals walk, particularly that part between the knee and the foot in men.
The part of the limb between the knee and the fetlock consists of three bones—a large one before, called the cannon or shank, and two smaller or splint bones behind. The shank-bone is rounded in front, and flattened, or even concave behind. It is the straightest of the long bones, as well as the most superficially situated, for in some parts it is covered only by the skin. The upper head is flat, with slight depressions corresponding with the lower row of the bones of the knee. The lower head is differently and curiously formed. It resembles a double pulley. There are three elevations, the principal one in the centre, and one on each side; and between them are two slight grooves; and these so precisely correspond with deep depressions and slight prominences in the upper head of the larger pastern, and are so enclosed and guarded by the elevated edges of that bone, that when the shank-bone and the pastern are fitted to each other, they form a perfect hinge: they admit of the bending and extension of the limb, but of no lateral or side motion; which is a circumstance of very great importance in a joint so situated, and having the whole weight of the horse thrown upon it.
The smaller bones are placed behind the larger on either side; a slight projection only of the head of each can be seen in front. The heads of these bones are enlarged, and receive part of the weight conveyed by the lower row of the bones of the knee. They are united to the larger bone by the same kind of substance which is found in the colt between the bone of the elbow and the main bone of the arm; and which is designed, like that, by its great elasticity, to lessen the concussion or jar when the weight of the animal is thrown on them.
Lenitive, a. Anything applied to ease pain; a palliative.
Lepidoptera, s. An order of insects which have their wings imbricated with scales, as moths, butterflies, &c. &c.
Leporine, a. Belonging to a hare, having the nature of a hare.
Leprosy, s. A loathsome distemper, which covers the body with a kind of white scales.
Lethargy, s. A morbid drowsiness, a sleep from which one cannot be kept awake.
Level, v. To aim at, to bring the gun and arrow to the same direction with the mark.
Leveret, s. A young hare.