n. & v. Anat.
n. 1 each of five tendons at the back of the knee in humans. 2 the great tendon at the back of the hock in quadrupeds.
v.tr. (past and past part. hamstrung or hamstringed) 1 cripple by cutting the hamstrings of (a person or animal). 2 prevent the activity or efficiency of (a person or enterprise).