hoofbeat

hoofbeat [hoo f-beet, hoof-] ExamplesWord Origin noun

1. the sound made by an animal’s hoof in walking, running, etc.

Origin of hoofbeat First recorded in 1840–50; hoof + beat Examples from the Web for hoofbeat Historical Examples of hoofbeat

The hoofbeat came a third time, a little nearer, and then no more.

The Shades of the Wilderness

Joseph A. Altsheler

Word Origin and History for hoofbeat n.

also hoof-beat, 1821, from hoof (n.) + beat (n.).