full nelson

American  

noun

1. a hold in which a wrestler, from behind the opponent, passes each arm under the corresponding arm of the opponent and locks the arms at the fingers or wrists on the back of the opponent's neck.

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full nelson British  

noun

1. a wrestling hold, illegal in amateur wrestling, in which a wrestler places both arms under his opponent's arms from behind and exerts pressure with both palms on the back of the neck Compare half-nelson

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Etymology

Origin of full nelson

First recorded in 1920–25

Example Sentences

Prosecutors said Young choked her and placed her in a “full nelson” wrestling hold, which involves applying pressure to the head and neck.

From Los Angeles Times

The video shows Mellor walking behind the would-be robber, putting him in a sort of full nelson wrestling hold and swinging him away from the clerk and toward the front door.

From Los Angeles Times

That was just the start of Clinton’s move towards a full nelson.

From The Guardian

The governor who chased people off the beach before Superstorm Sandy and whose aides put a full nelson on the George Washington Bridge said the choice should be left to the parents.

From Washington Post

The arms locked behind his back in an unbreakable full nelson.

From Project Gutenberg