Hough

The word 'hough' is primarily archaic, and refers to the act of hamstringing or crippling a horse or other animal by severing its tendons at the hock (the joint of the hind leg). Historically, this was done to render animals immobile, either to disable enemies' mounts in warfare, prevent livestock from straying, or for other purposes. The verb carries a strong connotation of deliberate cruelty and violence. Its use has significantly diminished in modern English, but appears in historical texts and literature detailing such actions. While 'hough' can technically be used to describe the action on humans (though this is very rare), it is more commonly associated with animals.

Hough meaning with examples

• The invading army, upon retreating, resorted to houghing all their enemy's warhorses, rendering their pursuit difficult and ensuring their escape. The villagers watched in horror as the soldiers carried out this brutal act of animal cruelty after their defeat.
• In the old West, a rancher, angered by rustlers, threatened to hough the thieves' horses as a deterrent. He declared he would do it himself after their threats if they were not scared. The sheriff had to intervene to prevent this horrific act of violence.
• During the medieval siege, after breaking the enemy's morale, the victors houghed the animals, showing them all that the battle was over. The houghing of the horses signaled that the land was no longer their enemy's.
• The farmer, struggling to contain his rebellious cattle, contemplated houghing them to prevent them from escaping the fence. It was a hard decision that, in the end, would likely be against his morals, but a tough one nonetheless.
• The historical account of the battle vividly described the ruthless houghing of the enemy's steeds, leaving them writhing in agony on the battlefield. It depicted the cruelty, and the terrible effects of warfare at the time.