1. In man, the joint in the middle part of the leg.
2. <anatomy> The joint, or region of the joint, between the thigh and leg. In the horse and allied animals, the carpal joint, corresponding to the wrist in man.
3. A piece of timber or metal formed with an angle somewhat in the shape of the human knee when bent.
4. A bending of the knee, as in respect or courtesy. "Give them title, knee, and approbation." (Shak) Knee breeches. See Breeches.
<botany> Knee holly, Knee holm a jerk or kick produced by a blow or sudden strain upon the patellar tendon of the knee, which causes a sudden contraction of the quadriceps muscle; one of the so-called tendon reflexes. Knee joint. Knee timber, timber with knees or angles in it. Knee tribute, or Knee worship, tribute paid by kneeling; worship by genuflection. "Knee tribute yet unpaid."
Origin: OE. Kne, cneo, As. Cneo, cneow; akin to OS. Knio, kneo, OFries. Kni, G. & D. Knie, OHG. Chniu, chneo, Icel. Kn, Sw. Kna,Dan. Knae, Goth. Kniu, L.genu, Gr, Skr.janu, Cf. Genuflection.
Source: Websters Dictionary
(01 Mar 1998)