Neck

Neck, nek, n. the part of an animal's body between the head and trunk: anything that resembles the neck: a long narrow part or corner: (fig.) life: the flesh of the neck and adjoining parts.—v.t. to break the neck or cut off the head.—ns. Neck′atee, a neckerchief; Neck′-band, the part of a shirt encircling the neck; Neck′-bear′ing, that part of a shaft which rotates in the bearing proper, a journal; Neck′beef, the coarse flesh of the neck of cattle; Neck′cloth, a piece of folded cloth worn round the neck by men as a band or cravat, the ends hanging down often of lace.—adj. Necked, having a neck of a certain kind.—ns. Neck′erchief, a kerchief for the neck; Neck′lace, a lace or string of beads or precious stones worn on the neck by women; Neck′let, a simple form of necklace; Neck′-mould, a small moulding surrounding a column at the junction of the shaft and capital; Neck′-piece, the part of a suit of armour that protects the neck: an ornamental frill round the neck of a gown; Neck′tie, a tie or cloth for the neck; Neck′verse, the verse (usually Ps. li. 1) in early times placed before a prisoner claiming benefit-of-clergy, in order to test his ability to read, which, if he could do, he was burned in the hand and set free (see Benefit).—n. Stiff′neck (see Stiff).—Neck and crop, completely; Neck and neck, exactly equal: side by side; Neck or nothing, risking everything.—Harden the neck, to grow more obstinate; Tread on the neck of, to oppress or tyrannise over. [A.S. hnecca; Ger. nacken.]