SINCE 1828
hock
noun (1)
\ ˈhäk
\
\
Definition of hock
(Entry 1 of 5)
1a
: the tarsal joint or region in the hind limb of a digitigrade quadruped (such as the horse) corresponding to the human ankle but elevated and bending backward — see horse illustration
b
: a joint of a fowl's leg that corresponds to the hock of a quadruped
2
: a small cut of meat from a front or hind leg just above the foot
ham hocks
Definition of hock (Entry 2 of 5)
chiefly British
hock
verb (1)
hocked;
hocking;
hocks
Definition of hock (Entry 3 of 5)
hock
noun (3)Definition of hock (Entry 4 of 5)
1a
: pawn entry 2 sense 2
got his watch out of hock
b
: debt sense 3
in hock to the bank
2
: prison
hock
verb (2)
hocked;
hocking
Definition of hock (Entry 5 of 5)
US, informal
: to forcefully spit out (something, such as phlegm)
hock a loogie hock a wad of tobacco
Keep scrolling for more
Keep scrolling for more
Keep scrolling for more
More Definitions for hock
hock
noun
\ ˈhäk
\
\
Kids Definition of hock
1
: a small piece of meat from the leg of a pig
ham hocks
2
: the part of the rear leg of a four-footed animal that is like a human ankle
hock
noun
\ ˈhäk
\
\
Medical Definition of hock
: the joint or region of the joint that unites the tarsal bones in the hind limb of a digitigrade quadruped (as the horse) and that corresponds to the human ankle but is elevated and bends backward
Keep scrolling for more
Comments on hock
What made you want to look up hock? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).
Test Your Vocabulary
Farm Idioms Quiz
-
- What does 'poke' refer to in the expression 'pig in a poke'?
Test your knowledge - and maybe learn something along the way.
TAKE THE QUIZ
Test Your Knowledge - and learn some interesting things along the way.
TAKE THE QUIZLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Words at Play
Ask the Editors
Word Games
Share hock
Resources for hock