knobstick

knobstick

A worker refuses to join the picket line and is called a knobstick by his former colleagues.

Definition
  1. Noun:
    • A heavy stick with a knob at one end: "knobstick" refers to a thick, blunt stick, often used as a weapon or tool, characterized by a rounded or knob-like end.
    • A strike-breaker (slang): In informal usage, especially in historical labor contexts, a "knobstick" denotes a person who betrays a strike by working during it or undermining the strike effort; a scab.
Usage Examples

  • A heavy stick:

    • The farmer carried a knobstick to defend his livestock from wild animals. (A thick stick with a rounded end used as a weapon.)
    • He used a knobstick to break up the ice on the path. (A tool with a knob for striking.)

  • A strike-breaker:

    • During the factory strike, the workers called anyone who crossed the picket line a knobstick. (A person who works during a strike, betraying the union.)
    • The union leader denounced the knobstick for undermining their collective action. (A scab or traitor to the strike.)
Advanced Usage

  • "to use a knobstick": to employ a heavy stick as a weapon or tool.

    • The guard threatened the crowd with his knobstick. (He brandished a club-like stick.)

  • "to be called a knobstick": to be labeled a strike-breaker in a labor dispute.

    • After returning to work during the strike, he was called a knobstick by his former colleagues. (He was branded a traitor to the union.)
Variants and Related Words
  • Knobstick (n): The same word; no common variants.
  • Knob (n): a rounded protuberance, as on a stick or door.
  • Stick (n): a long, thin piece of wood.
Synonyms
  • For a heavy stick: club, cudgel, bludgeon, truncheon.
  • For a strike-breaker: scab, blackleg, strikebreaker, turncoat.
Idioms and Phrasal Verbs
  • "Knobstick" does not commonly form idioms or phrasal verbs due to its specific and dated usage.
Related Idioms

  • "To carry a big stick": to have significant power or authority (related to the weapon sense, but not directly synonymous).

    • The manager carried a big stick in negotiations. (He had strong leverage.)

  • "To be a scab": to work during a strike (synonymous with "knobstick" in slang).

    • She was called a scab for crossing the picket line. (She was a strike-breaker.)