Definitions for: Knuckle


[n] a joint of a finger when the fist is closed
[v] shoot a marble while keeping one's knuckles on the ground
[v] press or rub with the knuckles



Webster (1913) Definition: Knuc"kle, n. [OE. knokel, knokil, AS. cuncel; akin to
D. knokkel, OFries. knokele, knokle, G. kn["o]chel, Sw.
knoge, Dan. knokkel, G. knochen bone, and perh. to E. knock.]
1. The joint of a finger, particularly when made prominent by
the closing of the fingers. --Davenant.

2. The kneejoint, or middle joint, of either leg of a
quadruped, especially of a calf; -- formerly used of the
kneejoint of a human being.

With weary knuckles on thy brim she kneeled sadly
down. --Golding.

3. The joint of a plant. [Obs.] --Bacon.

4. (Mech.) The joining pars of a hinge through which the pin
or rivet passes; a knuckle joint.

5. (Shipbuilding) A convex portion of a vessel's figure where
a sudden change of shape occurs, as in a canal boat, where
a nearly vertical side joins a nearly flat bottom.

6. A contrivance, usually of brass or iron, and furnished
with points, worn to protect the hand, to add force to a
blow, and to disfigure the person struck; as, brass
knuckles; -- called also knuckle duster. [Slang.]

Knuckle joint (Mach.), a hinge joint, in which a projection
with an eye, on one piece, enters a jaw between two
corresponding projections with eyes, on another piece, and
is retained by a pin which passes through the eyes and
forms the pivot.

Knuckle of veal (Cookery), the lower part of a leg of veal,
from the line of the body to the knuckle.


Knuc"kle, v. i. [imp. & p. p. Knuckled;; p. pr. &
vb. n. Knuckling.]
To yield; to submit; -- used with down, to, or under.

To knuckle to.
(a) To submit to in a contest; to yield to. [Colloq.] See {To
knock under}, under Knock, v. i.
(b) To apply one's self vigorously or earnestly to; as, to
knuckle to work. [Colloq.]


Knuc"kle, v. t.
To beat with the knuckles; to pommel. [R.] --Horace Smith.

Synonyms: knuckle joint, metacarpophalangeal joint

See Also: articulatio synovialis, finger, press, shoot, synovial joint

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