housemaid's knee

American  

noun

Pathology.

1. inflammation of the bursa over the front of the kneecap.

---

housemaid's knee British  

noun

1. Technical name: prepatellar bursitis.  inflammation and swelling of the bursa in front of the kneecap, caused esp by constant kneeling on a hard surface

---

Etymology

Origin of housemaid's knee

First recorded in 1825–35

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

housemaid's knee

They were not to be confused with the socially less acceptable housemaid's knee, which is a bursitis.

From Time Magazine Archive

Retorted Mansfield: "If I pray any more, I'm going to have housemaid's knee."

From Time Magazine Archive

He has expressed himself on every theme that interests mankind, except perhaps "housemaid's knee."

From Little Journeys to the Homes of the Great - Volume 01 Little Journeys to the Homes of Good Men and Great by Hubbard, Elbert

I am angry to have got housemaid's knee, because I got it on doorsteps that led to nowhere.

From A Christmas Garland by Beerbohm, Max, Sir

Of course, for me, if I was sick with anything, from housemaid’s knee to spinal mengetus, going into the country would be my complete finish!

From The Girls of Hillcrest Farm The Secret of the Rocks by Marlowe, Amy Bell