toe
toe
(tō) noun
1.
a. One of the digits of a vertebrate. b. The forepart of a foot or hoof. c. The terminal segment of an invertebrate's limb.
2. The part of a sock, shoe, or boot that covers the digits of the foot.
3. Sports. The end of the head on a golf club.
4. The part of a vertical shaft that turns in a bearing.
5. The lowest part, as of an embankment or a dam.
verb
toed, toeing, toes
verb
, transitive
1.
To touch, kick, or reach with the toe.
2.
Sports. To drive (a golf ball) with the toe of the club.
3. a. To drive (a nail or spike) at an oblique angle. b. To fasten or secure with obliquely driven nails or spikes.
verb
, intransitive
To stand, walk, move, or be formed with the toes pointed in a specified direction: He toes out.
idiom.
on (one's) toes
Ready to act; alert.
step on (someone's) toes or tread on (someone's) toes
To hurt, offend, or encroach on the feelings, actions, or province of.
toe the line or toe the mark
1.
To adhere to doctrines or rules conscientiously; conform.
2.
Sports & Games. To touch a mark or line with the toe or hands in readiness for the start of a race or competition.
[Middle English, from Old English tā.]