elbow

elbow [el′bō΄]

n.

[ME elbowe < OE elboga < PGmc * alino-boga (> Ger ellenbogen): see ELL² & BOW²]

1.

a) the joint between the upper and lower arm; esp., the outer part of the angle made by a bent arm

b) the joint corresponding to this in the forelimb of quadrupeds

2. the part of a sleeve covering the elbow

3. anything bent like an elbow, as a fitting for joining plumbing pipes at a 45° or 90° angle

vt.

1. to shove or jostle with or as with elbows

2. to push (one's way) with the elbows or rudely

vi.

1. to make one's way by shoving or jostling

2. to form an angle

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at someone's elbow

very close to someone; easy to reach

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out at the elbows or out at elbows

shabby; poverty-stricken

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up to the elbows

Informal deeply engaged ( in work, etc.)