1. (n.) The joint of a finger, particularly when made prominent by the closing of the fingers.

2. (n.) The knee joint, or middle joint, of either leg of a quadruped, especially of a calf; -- formerly used of the knee joint of a human being.

3. (n.) The joint of a plant.

4. (n.) The joining pars of a hinge through which the pin or rivet passes; a knuckle joint.

5. (n.) A convex portion of a vessel's figure where a sudden change of shape occurs, as in a canal boat, where a nearly vertical side joins a nearly flat bottom.

6. (n.) A contrivance, usually of brass or iron, and furnished with points, worn to protect the hand, to add force to a blow, and to disfigure the person struck; as, brass knuckles; -- called also knuckle duster.

7. (v. i.) To yield; to submit; -- used with down, to, or under.

8. (v. t.) To beat with the knuckles; to pommel.

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