/nee/ , n. , v. , kneed, kneeing .
n.
1. Anat. the joint of the leg that allows for movement between the femur and tibia and is protected by the patella; the central area of the leg between the thigh and the lower leg. See diag. under skeleton .
2. Zool. the corresponding joint or region in the hind leg of a quadruped; stifle.
3. a joint or region likened to this but not anatomically homologous with it, as the tarsal joint of a bird, the carpal joint in the forelimb of the horse or cow, etc.
4. the part of a garment covering the knee.
5. something resembling a bent knee, esp. a rigid or braced angle between two framing members.
6. Also called hip, shoulder . Furniture. the inward curve toward the top of a cabriole leg.
7. Building Trades.
a. the junction of the top and either of the uprights of a bent.
b. a curved member for reinforcing the junction of two pieces meeting at an angle.
8. Also called kneeler . a stone cut to follow a sharp return angle.
9. bring someone to his or her knees , to force someone into submission or compliance.
10. cut (someone) off at the knees , to squelch or humiliate (a person) suddenly and thoroughly: The speaker cut the heckler off at the knees.
11. on one's or its knees ,
a. in a supplicatory position or manner: I came to him on my knees for the money.
b. in a desperate or declining condition: The country's economy is on its knees.
v.t.
12. to strike or touch with the knee.
13. to secure (a structure, as a bent) with a knee.
v.i.
14. Obs. to go down on the knees; kneel.
[ bef. 900; ME cneo, OE cneo ( w ); c. G, D knie, ON kne, Goth kniu, L genu, Gk góny, Skt janu knee ]