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 knuckle
2 : a cut of meat consisting of the tarsal or carpal joint with the adjoining flesh
3 : 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
4 plural : 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