elbow

n. [ AS. elboga, elnboga (akin to D. elleboga, OHG. elinbogo, G. ellbogen, ellenbogen, Icel. &unr_;lnbogi; prop.; arm-bend); eln ell (orig., forearm) + boga a bending. See 1st Ell, and 4th Bow. ] 1. The joint or bend of the arm; the outer curve in the middle of the arm when bent. [ 1913 Webster ]

Her arms to the elbows naked. R. of Gloucester. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. Any turn or bend like that of the elbow, in a wall, building, and the like; a sudden turn in a line of coast or course of a river; also, an angular or jointed part of any structure, as the raised arm of a chair or sofa, or a short pipe fitting, turning at an angle or bent. [ 1913 Webster ]

3. (Arch.) A sharp angle in any surface of wainscoting or other woodwork; the upright sides which flank any paneled work, as the sides of windows, where the jamb makes an elbow with the window back. Gwilt. [ 1913 Webster ]

☞ Elbow is used adjectively or as part of a compound, to denote something shaped like, or acting like, an elbow; as, elbow joint; elbow tongs or elbow-tongs; elbowroom, elbow-room, or elbow room. [ 1913 Webster ]

At the elbow, very near; at hand. --
Elbow grease, energetic application of force in manual labor. [ Low ] --
Elbow in the hawse (Naut.), the twisting together of two cables by which a vessel rides at anchor, caused by swinging completely round once. Totten. --
Elbow scissors (Surg.), scissors bent in the blade or shank for convenience in cutting. Knight. --
Out at elbow, with coat worn through at the elbows; shabby; in needy circumstances. [ 1913 Webster ]