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The Collaborative International Dictionary
Elbow in the hawse

Elbow \El"bow\, n. [AS. elboga, elnboga (akin to D. elleboga, OHG. elinbogo, G. ellbogen, ellenbogen, Icel. ?lnbogi; prop.; arm-bend); eln ell (orig., forearm) + boga a bending. See 1st Ell, and 4th Bow.]

  1. The joint or bend of the arm; the outer curve in the middle of the arm when bent.

    Her arms to the elbows naked.
    --R. of Gloucester.

  2. Any turn or bend like that of the elbow, in a wall, building, and the like; a sudden turn in a line of coast or course of a river; also, an angular or jointed part of any structure, as the raised arm of a chair or sofa, or a short pipe fitting, turning at an angle or bent.

  3. (Arch.) A sharp angle in any surface of wainscoting or other woodwork; the upright sides which flank any paneled work, as the sides of windows, where the jamb makes an elbow with the window back.
    --Gwilt.

    Note: Elbow is used adjectively or as part of a compound, to denote something shaped like, or acting like, an elbow; as, elbow joint; elbow tongs or elbow-tongs; elbowroom, elbow-room, or elbow room.

    At the elbow, very near; at hand.

    Elbow grease, energetic application of force in manual labor. [Low]

    Elbow in the hawse (Naut.), the twisting together of two cables by which a vessel rides at anchor, caused by swinging completely round once.
    --Totten.

    Elbow scissors (Surg.), scissors bent in the blade or shank for convenience in cutting.
    --Knight.

    Out at elbow, with coat worn through at the elbows; shabby; in needy circumstances.