n.
Pronunciation: ' hu ̇ k
Function: noun
Etymology: Middle English, from Old English h ō c; akin to Middle Dutch hoec fishhook, corner, Lithuanian keng ė hook
Date: before 12th century
1 a : a curved or bent device for catching, holding, or pulling b : something intended to attract and ensnare c : ANCHOR 1
2 : something curved or bent like a hook especially plural : FINGERS
3 : a flight or course of a ball that deviates from straight in a direction opposite to the dominant hand of the player propelling it also : a ball following such a course ― compare SLICE
4 : a short blow delivered with a circular motion by a boxer while the elbow remains bent and rigid
5 : HOOK SHOT
6 : BUTTONHOOK
7 : quick or summary removal ― used with get or give <the pitcher got the hook after giving up three runs>
8 : a device especially in music or writing that catches the attention
9 : a selling point or marketing scheme
10 : CRADLE 1B(2)
– by hook or by crook : by any means
– off the hook
1 : out of trouble
2 : free of responsibility or accountability
– on one's own hook : by oneself : INDEPENDENTLY