knuckle-duster

[nuhk-uhl-duhs-ter]

noun

1. brass knuckles.

knuckle-duster

noun

1. (often plural) a metal bar fitted over the knuckles, often with holes for the fingers, for inflicting injury by a blow with the fist

Word History and Origins

Origin of knuckle-duster¹

An Americanism dating back to 1855–60

Example Sentences

One Roma community member in County Armagh, who reported being threatened by a man wielding a knuckle-duster, told BBC News NI he and others were living in fear.

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Meanwhile in Southampton, a scaffolder was jailed for 12 months after taking a knuckle-duster to an anti-immigration protest.

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Prosecutor Richard Onslow said James had taken the knuckle-duster out of his van to the protest "on a whim" and told police it was for his protection.

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Thatcher’s attack dog, the Tory lawmaker Norman Tebbit, was so obnoxious throughout his time in government that his character on the satirical puppet show “Spitting Image” was a leather-jacketed skinhead wielding a knuckle-duster.

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Jurors were told that Mr Whyteside, of Chesterfield Road, Dawley, was seen carrying a knuckle-duster as he looked for the children's bicycles, which had been taken from outside his home earlier the same day.

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