What does hindquarter mean?
A hindquarter is a rear quarter of an animal's body, particularly the part behind the hind legs. The word is especially common in descriptions of horses and other four-legged animals, where the powerful muscles of the hindquarters are important for running, jumping, and pulling. In general anatomy and formal descriptions of the human body, “hindquarters” is the usual plural form and refers to the buttocks and upper legs. The expression is also used for the back part of a body or, more generally, for a rear section of something. It combines the Old English word “hind,” meaning “behind” or “rear,” with “quarter,” a term for one of four equal parts. The result is a precise and traditional word for the rear portion of a body.
nounOne of the two rear quarters of an animal's body, especially a horse. The term can also refer more generally to the back or rear portion of a body or animal.
- One of the two rear quarters of an animal's body.
- The back or rear portion of an animal's body.
- The rear part of a person's body, especially the buttocks and upper legs.
"The horse shifted its weight onto its hindquarters before bolting."
"The lion rested its weight on its powerful hindquarters."
"She shifted awkwardly on the hindquarters of the cold bench."
The plural is the standard form in most modern uses, especially for the rear body area of a person or animal.
"The dog wagged its hindquarters as it ran toward the gate."
A horse's hindquarters supply much of the power behind a sprint or leap, making this anatomical term especially vivid in descriptions of movement and sport.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of hindquarter
“Hindquarter” is a compound formed from “hind” and “quarter.” Both elements are of Germanic origin: “hind” relates to Old English “hindan,” meaning “behind,” and “quarter” comes through Old French from Latin “quartus,” meaning “fourth.” The compound entered English with the sense of a rear quarter, especially of an animal, and later developed the broader anatomical meaning of the rear part of the body. Its relatives “hind,” “hinder,” and “behind” share the same Old English root.
How hindquarter is actually used
In modern English, “hindquarters” is more common than the singular “hindquarter,” especially when referring to both rear quarters of a person or animal. The term is somewhat formal and is often associated with anatomy, horses, and sport.
Easily confused with hindquarter
“Hindquarter” is the singular form, while “hindquarters” is the usual plural used when referring to both rear quarters of an animal or a person's rear body area.
“Quarter” can refer to any one-fourth portion or to a general section, whereas “hindquarter” specifically identifies a rear portion, especially of an animal.