Langimage
English

hock

|hock|

B2

🇺🇸

/hɑk/

🇬🇧

/hɒk/

joint or pledge

Etymology
Etymology Information

'hock' originates from Middle English, specifically the word 'hocke,' which referred to the joint in the hind leg of a horse.

Historical Evolution

'hocke' transformed into the modern English word 'hock' through Middle English.

Meaning Changes

Initially, it meant 'joint in the hind leg of a horse,' and this meaning has largely remained the same in modern usage.

Meanings by Part of Speech

Noun 1

the joint in the hind leg of a horse, cow, or other quadruped, corresponding anatomically to the ankle in humans.

The horse injured its hock during the race.

Synonyms

Noun 2

a type of German white wine, especially from the Rhine region.

They served a fine hock with dinner.

Synonyms

Verb 1

to pawn or pledge something as security for a loan.

He had to hock his watch to pay the rent.

Synonyms

Idioms

Last updated: 2025/01/27 12:59