Nock

Origin

Attested since the 14th century, probably from a Scandinavian language (compare Swedish nock ("notch"), but compare Dutch nok.

http://www.etymonline.com/index.php?term=nock

Full definition of nock

Noun

1. Either of the two grooves in a bow that hold the bowstring.
2. The notch at the rear of an arrow that fits on the bowstring.
• ChapmanHe took his arrow by the nock.
3. (nautical) The upper fore corner of a boom sail or trysail.
4. Misspelling of knock

Verb

1. (transitive) To fit an arrow against the bowstring of a bow or crossbow.
2. (transitive) To cut a nock in (usually in an arrow's base or the tips of a bow).

Anagrams

• conk