brass knuckles

American  

noun

1. 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.

---

Usage

What else does brass knuckles mean? Brass knuckles are a piece of metal designed to fit around the fingers by the lower knuckles and gripped by the hand. They can pack a powerful, potentially lethal punch.How do you pronounce brass knuckles?[ bras nuhk-uhls ]

Etymology

Origin of brass knuckles

An Americanism dating back to 1850–55

Example Sentences

Bold works can hit with such a wallop that it takes a beat to gauge their lasting impact, to tell which set of brass knuckles left a mark: love or hate?

From Los Angeles Times

Small groups of extremists, some members sporting brass knuckles, showed up at one farmers’ demonstration last month in the southern city of Montpellier.

From Seattle Times

The nation’s largest retailer will also be required to stop selling and allowing any sales of brass knuckles on its website.

From Seattle Times

It’s hard to figure out where the heart of a city council district is when its shape reminds you of brass knuckles.

From Los Angeles Times

As they pulled into the fenced lot, a guard in a security booth asked if the vehicle had any knives, guns, Mace or brass knuckles.

From Los Angeles Times