Nock
/nɒk/noun
A V-shaped notch in the end of an arrow or on a bowstring; also, to fit an arrow onto a bowstring.
Did you know?The archery sense of nock is tied to the same ancient root as notch, originally referring to a cut or groove made to hold something in place.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*ned-
“to tie, bind, fasten”
Proto-Germanic
PGmc
*nuk- / *nok-
“a notch, groove, or binding cut”
Old English
English
hnocc
“a notch or groove”
Middle English
English
nok
“a notch, groove, or fitting place for a bowstring”
Modern English
English
nock
“the notch at the end of an arrow or bow; to place an arrow on a bowstring”