knife rest

noun

1. something upon which to rest a knife when it is not being used.
2. Military. a metal or wood frame strung with barbed wire for use as a movable road barrier or underwater beach obstacle.

Word History and Origins

Origin of knife rest¹

First recorded in 1855–60

Example Sentences

Place the now infected instruments on the board by the side of the body or support them on a porcelain knife rest.

From Project Gutenberg

The framework is shaped like a knife-rest, numerous strands of barbed wire being stretched from end to end of it.

From Project Gutenberg