from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Knee \Knee\ (n[=e]), n. [OE. kne, cneo, As. cne['o], cne['o]w;
akin to OS. knio, kneo, OFries. kn[imac], G. & D. knie, OHG.
chniu, chneo, Icel. kn[=e], Sw. kn[aum], Dan. kn[ae], Goth.
kniu, L. genu, Gr. go`ny, Skr. j[=a]nu, [root]231. Cf.
{Genuflection}.]
1. In man, the joint in the middle part of the leg.
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2. (Anat.)
(a) The joint, or region of the joint, between the thigh
and leg.
(b) In the horse and allied animals, the carpal joint,
corresponding to the wrist in man.
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3. (Mech. & Shipbuilding) A piece of timber or metal formed
with an angle somewhat in the shape of the human knee when
bent.
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4. A bending of the knee, as in respect or courtesy.
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Give them title, knee, and approbation. --Shak.
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{Knee breeches}. See under {Breeches}.
{Knee holly}, {Knee holm} (Bot.), butcher's broom.
{Knee joint}. See in the Vocabulary.
{Knee timber}, timber with knees or angles in it.
{Knee tribute}, or {Knee worship}, tribute paid by kneeling;
worship by genuflection. [Obs.] "Knee tribute yet unpaid."
--Milton.
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