Main Entry: ¹el·bow

Pronunciation: \ˈel-ˌbō\

Function: noun

Etymology: Middle English elbowe, from Old English elboga, from el- (akin to eln ell) + Old English boga bow — more at ell, bow

Date: before 12th century

1 a : the joint of the human arm b : a corresponding joint in the anterior limb of a lower vertebrate
2 : something (as macaroni or an angular pipe fitting) resembling an elbow

— at one's elbow : at one's side

— out at elbows or out at the elbows 1 : shabbily dressed
2 : short of funds