E. Cobham Brewer 1810–1897. Dictionary of Phrase and Fable. 1898.
Horse-chestnut.
If a slip is cut off obliquely close to a joint, it will present a perfect miniature of a horse’s hock and foot, shoe and nails. I have cut off numerous specimens. Probably this has given the name horse to the tree. (See HORSE-VETCH.)
