- knuckle
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—knuckly, adj./nuk"euhl/, n., v., knuckled, knuckling.n.1. a joint of a finger, esp. one of the articulations of a metacarpal with a phalanx.2. the rounded prominence of such a joint when the finger is bent.3. a joint of meat, consisting of the parts about the carpal or tarsal joint of a quadruped.4. an angle or protrusion at the intersection of two members or surfaces, as in the timbers of a ship or in a roof.5. See brass knuckles.6. a cylindrical projecting part on a hinge, through which an axis or pin passes; the joint of a hinge.7. (in a wire mesh) a bend in a wire crossing another wire.8. (on a chair arm) one of the ridges left at the front end by longitudinal flutes carved to accommodate the fingers.9. Naut. a pronounced edge formed by a change in the form of the shell of a hull.v.t.10. to rub or press with the knuckles.11. Marbles. to shoot (a marble) from the thumb and forefinger.12. knuckle down,a. to apply oneself vigorously and earnestly; become serious: Just knuckle down for an hour or so and finish the work.b. Also, knuckle under. to submit; yield.[1325-75; ME knokel (akin to D kneukel, G Knöchel), dim. of a word represented by D knok, G Knochen bone; see -LE]
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Universalium. 2010.