■ noun
1》 a part of a finger at a joint where the bone is near the surface.
2》 a projection of the carpal or tarsal joint of a quadruped.
↘a joint of meat consisting of such a projection together with the adjoining parts.
■ verb
1》 ( ~ down ) apply oneself seriously to a task.
↘(also ~ under ) submit.
2》 rub or press with the ~s.
Phrases
near the ~ Brit. informal verging on the indecent or offensive.
rap someone on (or over ) the ~s rebuke or criticize someone.
Derivatives
knuckly adjective
Origin
ME knokel , from Mid. Low Ger., MDu. knökel , dimin. of knoke 'bone'; the verb ~ (down) derives from the custom of placing one's hands so that the ~s touch the ground at the start of a game of marbles.