nock

[ nok ]

noun

1. a metal or plastic piece at the end of an arrow, having a notch for the bowstring.
2. a notch or groove at the end of an arrow into which the bowstring fits.
3. a notch or groove at each end of a bow, to hold the bowstring in place.
4. Nautical. throat ( def 6a ).

verb (used with object)

1. to furnish with a nock.
2. to adjust (the arrow) to the bowstring, in readiness to shoot.

nock

/ nɒk /

noun

1. a notch on an arrow that fits on the bowstring
2. either of the grooves at each end of a bow that hold the bowstring

verb

1. to fit (an arrow) on a bowstring
2. to put a groove or notch in (a bow or arrow)

Word History and Origins

Origin of nock¹

1325–75; Middle English nok ( ke ) (noun); akin to Dutch nok, Low German nok ( ke ) tip

Word History and Origins

Origin of nock¹

C14: related to Swedish nock tip

Example Sentences

Romney's words are straight out of Martin, Barton, and Fish, or Albert Jay Nock, the noted libertarian anti-New Dealer.

From The Daily Beast

Then run your hand along the side of the bow and string to the bottom nock.

From Project Gutenberg

In each of the tips of the horns is a notch for the string, called the nock.

From Project Gutenberg

She can nock the spots off from any woman who wears a waterfall, gettin' up a good square meal.

From Project Gutenberg

It was published on the premises now occupied as Nock's refreshment bar, in Union Passage.

From Project Gutenberg

In shooting at the target the first thing is to nock the arrow, that is, to place it properly on the string.

From Project Gutenberg