A heavy iron tool shaped like a hammer with a claw at the end, traditionally used in letterpress printing. Pressmen use the claw to pry up tight forms, extract wooden quoins, or lever heavy chases on the imposing stone. The blunt end serves as a mallet for minor adjustments.
Heard on the job
Hand me the sheepsfoot so I can pry this stubborn quoin out of the chase.
Also heard as
- sheep's foot