Толковый словарь английского языка Oxford English Reference - knuckle

n. & v. --n. 1 the bone at a finger-joint, esp. that adjoining the hand. 2 a a projection of the carpal or tarsal joint of a quadruped. b a joint of meat consisting of this with the adjoining parts, esp. of bacon or pork. --v.tr. strike, press, or rub with the knuckles. Phrases and idioms go the knuckle Austral. sl. fight, punch. knuckle-bone 1 bone forming a knuckle. 2 the bone of a sheep or other animal corresponding to or resembling a knuckle. 3 a knuckle of meat. knuckle-bones 1 animal knuckle-bones used in the game of jacks. 2 the game of jacks. knuckle down (often foll. by to) 1 apply oneself seriously (to a task etc.). 2 (also knuckle under) give in; submit. knuckle sandwich sl. a punch in the mouth. rap on (or over) the knuckles see RAP(1). Derivatives knuckly adj. Etymology: ME knokel f. MLG, MDu. kn{ouml}kel, dimin. of knoke bone