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Knee

1. In man, the joint in the middle part of the leg.

2. (Science: anatomy) The joint, or region of the joint, between the thigh and leg. In the horse and allied animals, the carpal joint, corresponding to the wrist in man.

3. (Science: mechanics) a piece of timber or metal formed with an angle somewhat in the shape of the human knee when bent.

4. A bending of the knee, as in respect or courtesy. Give them title, knee, and approbation. (Shak) knee breeches. See breeches.

(Science: botany) knee holly, knee holm a jerk or kick produced by a blow or sudden strain upon the patellar tendon of the knee, which causes a sudden contraction of the quadriceps muscle; one of the so-called tendon reflexes. Knee joint. Knee timber, timber with knees or angles in it. Knee tribute, or knee worship, tribute paid by kneeling; worship by genuflection. Knee tribute yet unpaid.

Origin: oe. Kne, cneo, as. Cneo, cneow; akin to os. Knio, kneo, OFries. Kni, g. & D. Knie, OHG. Chniu, chneo, Icel. Kn, Sw. Kna,Dan. Knae, goth. Kniu, L.genu, gr, Skr.janu, cf. Genuflection.