nock

Etymology 1

Middle English nokke, attested since the 14th century, probably from a Scandinavian/North Germanic language (compare Swedish nock (“notch”), but compare Dutch nok, from Middle Dutch nocke (“tip, point”). Both could be related to nook (“corner, recess”).

noun

1. Either of the two grooves in a bow that hold the bowstring.
2. (archery) The notch at the rear of an arrow that fits on the bowstring.
3. (nautical) The upper fore corner of a boom sail or trysail.

verb

1. (transitive) To fit an arrow against the bowstring of a bow or crossbow. (See also notch (verb).)
2. (transitive) To cut a nock in (usually in an arrow's base or the tips of a bow).

Etymology 2

noun

1. Misspelling of knock.