knuckle-duster

[ nuhk-uhl-duhs-ter ]

noun

1. brass knuckles.

knuckle-duster

noun

1. often plural a metal bar fitted over the knuckles, often with holes for the fingers, for inflicting injury by a blow with the fist

Word History and Origins

Origin of knuckle-duster¹

An Americanism dating back to 1855–60

Example Sentences

Meanwhile in Southampton, a scaffolder was jailed for 12 months after taking a knuckle-duster to an anti-immigration protest.

From BBC

Prosecutor Richard Onslow said James had taken the knuckle-duster out of his van to the protest "on a whim" and told police it was for his protection.

From BBC

Thatcher’s attack dog, the Tory lawmaker Norman Tebbit, was so obnoxious throughout his time in government that his character on the satirical puppet show “Spitting Image” was a leather-jacketed skinhead wielding a knuckle-duster.

From Washington Post

Jurors were told that Mr Whyteside, of Chesterfield Road, Dawley, was seen carrying a knuckle-duster as he looked for the children's bicycles, which had been taken from outside his home earlier the same day.

From BBC

They're kind of little knuckle-duster lightsabers.

From Los Angeles Times