■ noun a loop with a running knot which tightens as the rope or wire is pulled, used especially to hang offenders or trap animals.
■ verb apply a ~ to; catch with a ~.
↘form (a rope) into a ~.
Phrases
put one's head in a ~ bring about one's own downfall.
Origin
ME: prob. via OFr. no(u)s from L. nodus 'knot'.