hough

Etymology 1

From Middle English hough, houȝ, hoch, howghe, from Old English hōh (“heel, hough”), from Proto-Germanic *hanhaz (“heel”). Doublet of hoo. The regular modern English development would be /hʌf/, /haʊ/; this has been replaced by /hɒk/, originating in the compound huxen (also *hoxen), from Old English hōhsinu.

noun

1. The hollow behind the knee.
   In the bright light, lightened and cooled in limb, he eyed carefully his black trousers, the ends, the knees, the houghs of the knees. 1922, James Joyce, Ulysses

verb

1. To hamstring.

Etymology 2

See hoe (“agricultural tool”).

noun

1. Obsolete spelling of hoe

verb

1. Archaic spelling of hoe.
   1748, James Thomson, The Castle of Indolence, K:LV Better the toiling Swain, oh happier far! Perhaps the happieſt of the Sons of Men! Who vigorous plies the Plough, the Team, or Car; Who houghs the Field, or ditches in the Glen, Delves in his Garden, or ſecures his Pen.

Etymology 3

From Middle English ho, howe, hogh, from Old English hōh (“a promontory”).

noun

1. Alternative form of hoe