shank
UK: ʃæŋk | US: ʃæŋk
n. the part of the leg between the knee and the ankle
n. a long, narrow part of a tool or object (e.g., the shaft of a screw)
vt. to stab or strike with a sharp object (slang)
The word "shank" traces back to Old English sceanca, meaning "leg" or "shinbone." It is a Germanic word, related to Dutch schenk and German Schenkel (thigh). Over time, its meaning expanded metaphorically to describe any long, narrow part of an object (e.g., a screw's shank). The slang verb sense ("to stab") emerged in the 20th century, likely from the idea of using a sharp, leg-like object as a weapon.
He injured his shank while playing football.
The shank of the screw was too short for the job.
The chef used a lamb shank to prepare the stew.
(Slang) The prisoner threatened to shank his rival.
Her boots reached just above the shank, leaving her ankles exposed.