Main Entry:

¹hook

Pronunciation:

\ˈhu̇k\

Function:

noun

Etymology:

Middle English, from Old English hōc; akin to Middle Dutch hoec fishhook, corner, Lithuanian kengė hook

Date:

before 12th century

1 a: a curved or bent device for catching, holding, or pulling b: something intended to attract and ensnare c: anchor 12: something curved or bent like a hook ; especially plural : fingers3: a flight or course of a ball that deviates from straight in a direction opposite to the dominant hand of the player propelling it ; also : a ball following such a course — compare slice4: a short blow delivered with a circular motion by a boxer while the elbow remains bent and rigid5: hook shot6: buttonhook7: quick or summary removal —used with get or give<the pitcher got the hook after giving up three runs>8: a device especially in music or writing that catches the attention9: a selling point or marketing scheme10: cradle 1b(2)

— by hook or by crook

: by any means

— off the hook

1: out of trouble2: free of responsibility or accountability

— on one's own hook

: by oneself : independently