Webster's English Dictionary

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knuckle

1. knuck.le \'n*k-*l\ n [ME knokel; akin to MHG kno:ckel knuckle, OE 
   cnotta] 1a: the rounded prominence formed by the ends of the two adjacent 
   bones at  a joint - used esp. of those at the joints of the fingers 1b: the 
   joint of a knuckle  2: a cut of meat consisting of the tarsal or carpal 
   joint with the adjoinin g flesh 3: something resembling a knuckle : as  
   3a1: one of the joining parts of a hinge through which a pin or rivet passe 
   s 3a2: KNUCKLE JOINT  3b: the meeting of two surfaces at a sharp angle (as 
   in a roof)  pl  4: 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
2. knuckle \-(*-)lin\ vb or knuck.ling 1: to place the knuckles on the 
   ground in shooting a marble  2: to give in : SUBMIT - usu. used with under  
   3: to apply oneself earnestly - usu. used with down  : to press or rub with 
   the knuckles