hindquarters

Everyday

The back part of a four-legged animal, including the back legs and the rump. tree →

In the lessons

In science and farm lessons the hindquarters of a horse or cow give the strength to push and kick; vets check an animal's hindquarters. Phrases: «powerful hindquarters», «the horse's hindquarters».

Examples

• The horse's hindquarters are very strong. tree →
• Never stand right behind a horse's hindquarters, or it may kick. tree →
• The cat sat on its hindquarters. tree →
• The dog wagged its whole hindquarters with joy. tree →
• The lion's hindquarters pushed it forward in a leap. tree →
• Mud covered the cow's hindquarters. tree →

Note

Always plural: hindquarters (one word). Opposite: forequarters (front part). Mostly used for animals.