(~s, ~ing, ~ed)
1.
A ~ is a dishonest person or a criminal. (INFORMAL)
The man is a ~ and a liar...
N-COUNT
2.
The ~ of your arm or leg is the soft inside part where you bend your elbow or knee.
She hid her face in the ~ of her arm.
N-COUNT: usu sing, the N of n
3.
If you ~ your arm or finger, you bend it.
He ~ed his finger: ‘Come forward,’ he said.
VERB: V n
4.
A ~ is a long pole with a large hook at the end. A ~ is carried by a bishop in religious ceremonies, or by a shepherd.
...a shepherd’s ~.
N-COUNT
5.
If someone says they will do something by hook or by ~, they are determined to do it, even if they have to make a great effort or use dishonest means.
They intend to get their way, by hook or by ~.
PHRASE: PHR with cl, PHR with v