What is "at the elbow"

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.

prep.phr. Very near; close at hand.