The term 'knuckle' originates from the combination of 'knuckle-duster,' a face-busting, hand-protecting metal knuckle-guard, and 'duster,' a type of protective coat worn by workmen. The word implies a weapon used in fistfights, specifically designed to protect the user's hand while delivering a punch.
            
            
            
            
            
            
           
          
          
            5 answers
            
            
  
    
    Chloe_jackson_athlete
    Sun Nov 17 2024
   
  
    The knuckles serve as the joints of the fingers, playing a crucial role in hand movement and flexibility.
  
  
 
            
            
            
            
  
    
    Sara
    Sat Nov 16 2024
   
  
    The etymology of the word "knuckles" reveals its close relationship to similar terms in other Germanic languages.
  
  
 
            
            
  
    
    JamesBrown
    Sat Nov 16 2024
   
  
    For instance, in Dutch, the word "knokkel" refers to a knuckle, demonstrating a shared linguistic heritage.
  
  
 
            
            
  
    
    EnchantedDreams
    Sat Nov 16 2024
   
  
    Similarly, in German, the word "Knöchel" is used to describe an ankle, with "Knöchlein" being a diminutive form of the word for bone, "Knochen."