Splint

n. [Ger. splint, splinter, splitter, D. splint, splinter, Dan. & Sw. splint. See infra.]

1. A piece split off; a splinter.
2. (Surg.) A thin piece of wood, or other substance, used to hold or protect an injured part, especially a broken bone when set.
3. (Far.) (a.) One of the rudimentary metacarpal and metatarsal bones of the leg;—called also splint-bone and splent-bone. (b.) A disease affecting these bones, as a callosity or hard excrescence.
4. (Anc. Armor.) A small overlapping plate of metal used in connection with other like pieces, to secure freedom of motion, as well as defense to the parts covered by them, as the elbows, knees, &c.

The knees and feet were defended by splints, or thin pieces of steel. W. Scott. 5. See SPLENT-COAL. Splint armor, armor formed of thin plates of metal overlapping each other. Meyricke.