knuckle > define

noun

• A joint of a finger when the fist is closed.
  • synonyms: knuckle joint, metacarpophalangeal joint

verb

• Press or rub with the knuckles.
• Shoot a marble while keeping one's knuckles on the ground. .

• (n.) The joint of a plant.
• (n.) A contrivance, usually of brass or iron, and furnished with points, worn to protect the hand, to add force to a blow, and to disfigure the person struck; as, brass knuckles; -- called also knuckle duster.
• (n.) The joining pars of a hinge through which the pin or rivet passes; a knuckle joint.
• (n.) A convex portion of a vessel's figure where a sudden change of shape occurs, as in a canal boat, where a nearly vertical side joins a nearly flat bottom.
• (v.i.) To yield; to submit; -- used with down, to or under.
• (v.t.) To beat with the knuckles; to pommel.
• (n.) The joint of a finger, particularly when made prominent by the closing of the fingers.
• (n.) The kneejoint or middle joint, of either leg of a quadruped, especially of a calf; -- formerly used of the kneejoint of a human being.