First Known Use: 1540
Dictionary
1hock
noun \ˈhäk\
Definition of HOCK
1
a : the tarsal joint or region in the hind limb of a digitigrade quadruped (as the horse) corresponding to the human ankle but elevated and bending backward — see horse illustration b : a joint of a fowl's leg that corresponds to the hock of a quadruped
2
: a small cut of meat from a front or hind leg just above the foot <ham hocks>
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Origin of HOCK
Middle English hoch, hough, from Old English hōh heel; akin to Old Norse hāsin hock
Other Anatomy Terms
2hock
noun, often capitalized
Definition of HOCK
chiefly British : rhine wine 1
Origin of HOCK
modification of German Hochheimer, from Hochheim, Germany
First Known Use: circa 1625
3hock
verb
: to give (something that you own) to a pawnbroker in exchange for money : to put (something) in hock
Full Definition of HOCK
transitive verb
: pawn
— hock·er noun
See hock defined for English-language learners
Origin of HOCK
4hock
First Known Use: 1878
4hock
noun
HOCK Defined for Kids
hock
noun \ˈhäk\
Definition of HOCK for Kids
1
: a small piece of meat from the leg of a pig <ham hocks>
2
: the part of the rear leg of a four-footed animal that is like a human ankle
Medical Dictionary
hock
noun \ˈhäk\
Medical Definition of HOCK
: the joint or region of the joint that unites the tarsal bones in the hind limb of a digitigrade quadruped (as the horse) and that corresponds to the human ankle but is elevated and bends backward
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