brass knuckles

noun

a band of metal with four holes that fits over the upper fingers and that is gripped when a fist is made, used for increasing the effect of a blow with the fist.

Origin of brass knuckles

An Americanism dating back to 1850–55

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

Sometimes you must leave the high road and fetch your brass knuckles.
Memo: The Aaron Sorkin Model of Political Discourse Doesn't Actually Work | Megan McArdle | April 23, 2013 | THE DAILY BEAST
Probably had a small force-field in his pocket, Ward thought, and a pair of brass knuckles.
What Rough Beast? | Jefferson Highe
Mary, stealing glances at him under her eyelashes, saw again the flash of the brass knuckles; saw—in thought only, thank God!
Pippin; A Wandering Flame | Laura E. Richards
He was stained and disfigured from the effects of the brass knuckles, and he looked anything but "pleasant."
"Where Angels Fear to Tread" and Other Stories of the Sea | Morgan Robertson
We must also consider other deadly weapons, such as dirk knives and brass knuckles.
Twenty Years a Detective in the Wickedest City in the World | Clifton R. Wooldridge

The elaborate display of revolvers, dirks and brass knuckles in shop windows creates a most unfavorable impression on visitors.
Twenty Years a Detective in the Wickedest City in the World | Clifton R. Wooldridge

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