cypress knee

noun

one of the woody growths that project above water from the roots of the bald cypress.

Origin of cypress knee

An Americanism dating back to 1775–85

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

He was about five feet seven, but as tough as a cypress knee.
Roads of Destiny | O. Henry
Now the problem of getting both the boy's legs on one side of the cypress knee was presented to them.
The Pony Rider Boys in Louisiana | Frank Gee Patchin
They saw Tad sitting on a cypress knee, gazing down into the black pool, a satisfied grin on his face.
The Pony Rider Boys in Louisiana | Frank Gee Patchin
Lilly now grabbed one of the truant feet, jerking it over to the other side of the cypress knee against its mate.
The Pony Rider Boys in Louisiana | Frank Gee Patchin
The bullet extracted from the cypress knee, has been tried in the barrel of his gun, and found to fit exactly.
The Death Shot | Mayne Reid

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