an external covering for the human foot, usually of leather and consisting of a more or less stiff or heavy sole and a lighter upper part ending a short distance above, at, or below the ankle.
2.
an object or part resembling a shoe in form, position, or use.
3.
a horseshoe or a similar plate for the hoof of some other animal.
4.
a ferrule or the like, as of iron, for protecting the end of a staff, pole, etc.
Nautical. a thickness of planking covering the bottom of the keel of a wooden vessel to protect it against rubbing.
–verb (used with object)
22.
to provide or fit with a shoe or shoes.
23.
to protect or arm at the point, edge, or face with a ferrule, metal plate, or the like.
—Idioms
24.
drop the other shoe, to complete an action or enterprise already begun.
25.
fill someone's shoes, to take the place and assume the obligations of another person: She felt that no stepmother could ever hope to fill her late mother's shoes.
26.
in someone's shoes, in a position or situation similar to that of another: I wouldn't like to be in his shoes.
27.
the shoe is on the other foot, the circumstances are reversed; a change of places has occurred: Now that we are rich and they are poor the shoe is on the other foot.
28.
where the shoe pinches, the true cause of the trouble or worry.
Origin: bef. 900; (n.) ME scho(o), OE sceō(h), c. G Schuh, ON skōr, Goth skōhs; (v.) ME schon, OE scōg(e)an, c. MLG schoi(g)en, ON skūa