I. ˈnə-kəl noun
Etymology: Middle English knokel; akin to Middle High German knöchel knuckle
Date: 14th century
1.
a. : the rounded prominence formed by the ends of the two adjacent bones at a joint — used especially of those at the joints of the fingers
b. : the joint of a knuckle
2. : a cut of meat consisting of the tarsal or carpal joint with the adjoining flesh
3. : something resembling a knuckle: as
a.
(1) : one of the joining parts of a hinge through which a pin or rivet passes
(2) : knuckle joint
b. : the meeting of two surfaces at a sharp angle (as in a roof)
c. : a pivotal point
4. plural : a set of metal finger rings or guards attached to a transverse piece and worn over the front of the doubled fist for use as a weapon — called also brass knuckles
• knuck·led adjective
II. verb
( knuck·led ; knuck·ling ˈnə-k(ə-)liŋ)
Date: 1740
intransitive verb
: to place the knuckles on the ground in shooting a marble
transitive verb
: to press or rub with the knuckles