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).