Nock

/nɒk/ · noun

Meaning

Either of the two grooves in a bow that hold the bowstring..

Definitions by Sense

1. Either of the two grooves in a bow that hold the bowstring.
2. (archery) The notch at the rear of an arrow that fits on the bowstring.
3. (nautical) The upper fore corner of a boom sail or trysail.
4. (transitive) To fit (an arrow) against the bowstring of a bow or crossbow.
5. (transitive) To cut a nock in (usually in an arrow's base or the tips of a bow).
6. (archery) Fit the arrow to your bowstring.
7. Misspelling of knock.

Example Sentences

Meanwhile there had been bustle and preparation in all parts of the great vessel. The archers stood in groups about the decks, new-stringing their bows, and testing that they were firm at the nocks.

Each drew his string from its waterproof case and bent the huge arc of his war-bow as he fitted it into the nocks.

He took his arrow by the nock.

Then taking up his own good stout bow and nocking an arrow with care, he shot with his very greatest skill.

It is a Scotch bow, I see, for the upper nock is without and the lower within. By the black rood! it is a good piece of yew, well nocked, well strung, well waxed, and very joyful to the feel.

I put my hair up, and was just finished, when mother nocked. It was terrable^([sic]).

Synonyms for nock

Antonyms for nock

Related Words

Word Forms

• nocks
• nocking
• nocked
• nock!

Usage Notes

Choose a synonym only when it preserves the intended meaning, tone, and grammar of the full sentence.

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