knuckles
Definition
- Noun (plural):
- A small metal weapon; worn over the knuckles on the back of the hand: A set of metal rings or a metal bar attached to a handle, designed to be gripped in the fist so that the metal part rests across the knuckles. It is used as a weapon to increase the force of a punch.
Usage
- The word "knuckles" in this specific weapon sense is almost always used in its plural form.
- It is a countable noun (e.g., , ).
- This term refers specifically to the weapon. The body part (the joints of the fingers) is also called "knuckles," but that is a separate, more common meaning.
Examples
- The police confiscated a set of knuckles from the suspect's pocket.
- In many jurisdictions, carrying knuckles is a criminal offense.
- He was charged with assault with a deadly weapon after using knuckles in the fight.
Advanced Usage
- "Brass knuckles": This is the most common and specific term for this weapon, specifying the material (brass). The word "knuckles" alone often implies "brass knuckles."
- The evidence bag contained a pair of brass knuckles.
Variants and Related Words
- Knuckle-duster (noun): Another term for the same weapon, more common in British English.
- He was arrested for possessing a knuckle-duster.
- Knuckle (noun): The individual joint of a finger. This is the primary and more frequent meaning of the base word.
- He rapped his knuckles on the table.
Synonyms
- Brass knuckles: The full, specific term.
- Knuckle-duster: A synonym, particularly in British English.
- Paperweight (slang): A slang term sometimes used to discreetly refer to this weapon.
Notes on Different Meanings
It is crucial to distinguish this weapon sense from the primary anatomical meaning: * Knuckles (anatomy): The rounded prominences formed by the joints of the fingers, especially when the hand is clenched into a fist. * Example: His knuckles were scraped and bleeding after the fall. The context of the sentence will always make it clear which meaning is intended (e.g., discussing weapons vs. describing a hand).
Noun
-
a small metal weapon; worn over the knuckles on the back of the hand
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