— knuckly , adj.
/nuk"euhl/ , n. , v. , knuckled, knuckling .
n.
1. a joint of a finger, esp. one of the articulations of a metacarpal with a phalanx.
2. the rounded prominence of such a joint when the finger is bent.
3. a joint of meat, consisting of the parts about the carpal or tarsal joint of a quadruped.
4. an angle or protrusion at the intersection of two members or surfaces, as in the timbers of a ship or in a roof.
5. See brass knuckles .
6. a cylindrical projecting part on a hinge, through which an axis or pin passes; the joint of a hinge.
7. (in a wire mesh) a bend in a wire crossing another wire.
8. (on a chair arm) one of the ridges left at the front end by longitudinal flutes carved to accommodate the fingers.
9. Naut. a pronounced edge formed by a change in the form of the shell of a hull.
v.t.
10. to rub or press with the knuckles.
11. Marbles. to shoot (a marble) from the thumb and forefinger.
12. knuckle down ,
a. to apply oneself vigorously and earnestly; become serious: Just knuckle down for an hour or so and finish the work.
b. Also, knuckle under . to submit; yield.
[ 1325-75; ME knokel (akin to D kneukel, G Knöchel ), dim. of a word represented by D knok, G Knochen bone; see -LE ]