- hook
-
I. noun
Etymology: Middle English, from Old English hōc; akin to Middle Dutch hoec fishhook, corner, Lithuanian kengė hook
Date: before 12th century
1.
a. a curved or bent device for catching, holding, or pulling
b. something intended to attract and ensnare
c. anchor 1
2. something curved or bent like a hook; especially plural fingers
3. a flight or course of a ball that deviates from straight in a direction opposite to the dominant hand of the player propelling it; also a ball following such a course — compare slice
4. a short blow delivered with a circular motion by a boxer while the elbow remains bent and rigid
5. hook shot
6. buttonhook
7. quick or summary removal — used with get or give <the pitcher got the hook after giving up three runs> 8. a device especially in music or writing that catches the attention 9. a selling point or marketing scheme 10. cradle 1b(2) II. verb Date: 13th century transitive verb 1. to form into a hook ; crook 2. a. to seize or make fast by or as if by a hook b. to connect by or as if by a hook — often used with up 3. steal, pilfer 4. to make (as a rug) by drawing loops of yarn, thread, or cloth through a coarse fabric with a hook 5. to hit or throw (a ball) so that a hook results intransitive verb 1. to form a hook ; curve 2. to become hooked 3. to work as a prostitute
New Collegiate Dictionary. 2001.