crow's-feet
UK[ˈkrəʊz fiːt]US[ˈkroʊz fiːt]
n
The small wrinkles that form at the outer corners of a person's eyes, especially as they age.
Etymology
The term 'crow's-feet' is a vivid example of a metaphorical compound in English. It directly compares the pattern of small, branching wrinkles at the corner of the human eye to the footprint of a crow, specifically the splayed, three-toed impression left in soft ground. The use of the genitive 'crow's' (belonging to the crow) personalizes the comparison, suggesting the marks are left behind. This folk etymology, emerging in the late 14th century, leverages a familiar natural image to create an enduring and descriptive term for a common sign of aging, humorously attributing it to an external agent.
Analysis
This is a compound noun formed from the genitive form of 'crow' and the plural form of 'foot'. 'Crow' is from Old English 'crāwe', of Germanic origin. 'Foot' is from Old English 'fōt', of Germanic origin.
Examples
Her smile was warm and genuine, accentuating the crow's-feet at her eyes.
He noticed the first signs of crow's-feet appearing in his late thirties.
The moisturizer claims to reduce the appearance of fine lines and crow's-feet.