Main Entry:

¹knuck·le

Pronunciation:

\ˈnə-kəl\

Function:

noun

Etymology:

Middle English knokel; akin to Middle High German knöchel knuckle

Date:

14th century

1 a: the rounded prominence formed by the ends of the two adjacent bones at a joint —used especially of those at the joints of the fingers b: the joint of a knuckle2: a cut of meat consisting of the tarsal or carpal joint with the adjoining flesh3: something resembling a knuckle: as a (1): one of the joining parts of a hinge through which a pin or rivet passes (2): knuckle joint b: the meeting of two surfaces at a sharp angle (as in a roof) c: a pivotal point 4plural : a set of metal finger rings or guards attached to a transverse piece and worn over the front of the doubled fist for use as a weapon —called also brass knuckles

— knuck·led adjective