I. ˈhu̇k noun
Etymology: Middle English, from Old English hōc; akin to Middle Dutch hoec fishhook, corner, Lithuanian kengė 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
- off the hook
- on one's own hook
II. verb
Date: 13th century
transitive verb
1. : to form into a hook : crook
2.
a. : to seize or make fast by or as if by a hook
b. : to connect by or as if by a hook — often used with up
3. : steal , pilfer
4. : to make (as a rug) by drawing loops of yarn, thread, or cloth through a coarse fabric with a hook
5. : to hit or throw (a ball) so that a hook results
intransitive verb
1. : to form a hook : curve
2. : to become hooked
3. : to work as a prostitute