v. local esp. in South Africa. To fasten a cord or halter from the head of a beast to its knee, so as to restrain its movements. Hence Knee-haltered ppl. a. Also Knee-halter sb., the cord or halter used in doing this.
1849. E. E. Napier, Excurs. S. Africa, II. 16–7. Whilst the ‘knee-haltered’ horses, and ‘out-spanned’ oxen, were busily engaged.
1850. R. G. Cumming, Hunter’s Life S. Afr. (ed. 2), I. 129. Having off-saddled our horses, we knee haltered them.
1868. Atkinson, Cleveland Gloss., Knee-halter, to apply restraint to an animal’s motions by means of tying.
1892. Cradock (S. Afr.) Reg., 4 March, 2. Brown mare … marks of kneehalter on left front leg below knee.
1898. Daily News, 13 June, 5/5. Should one man be shot, the others would knee-halter their horses and go on working the gun.
