KNUCKLE • DICTIONARY ONE.COM • Definition of Knuckle

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/nˈəkəl/ Listen

noun

Knuckle n.

1.

The joint of a finger, particularly when made prominent by the closing of the fingers.

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."

3.

The joint of a plant. (Obs.)

4.

(Mech.) The joining parts 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; called also knuckle duster, knuckles or brass knuckles. (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.

verb

Knuckle v. t. To beat with the knuckles; to pummel. (R.)

Knuckle v. i. (past & past part. knuckled; pres. part. 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.)

See images of 'Knuckle'

Etymology of 'Knuckle'

Collaborative International Dictionary of English 0.48

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"Knuckle" Quotes from Famous Books

... man, sweating his heart out to save your people here, is going to knuckle under to any savage that happens to blow in and try to boss this job? If so, you've got another guess coming! Stand back, you, or you'll get cold lead in ...

— Darkness and Dawn • George Allan England

... on her knuckle-bones. Cri', how she lapped 'em up! We hosed 'em out with livin' lead. That was the second day. Me left eye I'd 'ave give for jest a bubble in a cup, Three fingers I'd 'ave parted for a bone I've flung away; But the butcher wasn't callin', 'n' the ...

— 'Hello, Soldier!' - Khaki Verse • Edward Dyson

... you would the mutton broth, using a knuckle of veal, (which costs ten cents,) instead of the neck of mutton, and a quarter of a pound of rice, (which costs two or three cents,) instead of barley; omit the turnips. You will have a good, nutritious, broth for about ...

— Twenty-Five Cent Dinners for Families of Six • Juliet Corson

... best in a representation of geniality and mildness. But in the character of Judas he represents, in every wrinkle of his face, and in every curl of his hair, and in every glare of his eye, and in every knuckle of his hand with which he clutches the money bag, hypocrisy and avarice and hate and low strategy and diabolism. The quickness with which he grabs the bribe for the betrayal of the Lord, the villainous leer at the Master while seated at the holy supper, show him to be capable of any ...

— T. De Witt Talmage - As I Knew Him • T. De Witt Talmage

... firm, pinkish white and should be well cooked to develop its flavor and nutritious qualities. The cuts are the neck, shoulders, rack, breast, loin and leg. The shoulders, breast and loin are used for roasting, the neck and end of the leg for stewing, the leg for cutlets and the rack for chops. The knuckle from the leg of veal may be used for stews, ...

— Mrs. Wilson's Cook Book - Numerous New Recipes Based on Present Economic Conditions • Mary A. Wilson

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