knocker

American  

[nok-er] / ˈnɒk ər /

noun

1. a person or thing that knocks.

2. a hinged knob, bar, etc., on a door, for use in knocking.

3. Informal.  a persistent and carping critic; faultfinder.

4. Slang: Vulgar.  a female breast.

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idioms

1. on the knocker,  canvassing or selling door-to-door.

knocker British  

/ ˈnɒkə /

noun

1. an object, usually ornamental and made of metal, attached to a door by a hinge and used for knocking

2. informal  a person who finds fault or disparages

3. slang  (usually plural) a female breast

4. a person or thing that knocks

5. informal  promptly; at once

   you pay on the knocker here

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Etymology

Origin of knocker

Middle English word dating back to 1350–1400; knock, -er ¹

Example Sentences

There were five bases, home plate was dubbed the “knocker’s stone” and runners could be put out by hitting them with a thrown ball.

From The Wall Street Journal

Ms. Haley has the door knockers of Americans For Prosperity Action, a conservative activist group funded from the fortune of Charles and David Koch.

From New York Times

On a Monday afternoon in October, Les Morones and a crew of three other door knockers hired by the church walked up and down Center Street, talking to anyone who answered the door.

From Los Angeles Times

The ancient wooden doors are adorned with an ornate metal knocker and a small grilled window, for guards to peek through.

From New York Times

Armies of door knockers and phone bankers are pitching in, while the police union presses its members to volunteer for the final Vallas sprint.

From New York Times