knuckle-duster

[ nuhk-uh l-duhs-ter ]

/ ˈnʌk əlˌdʌs tər /

Origin of knuckle-duster

An Americanism dating back to 1855–60

This she proposed to do with the help of a knuckle-duster, which she produced and gave to Gaudry.

A Book of Remarkable Criminals |H. B. Irving
He had the medal in it still between his fingers, using it like a knuckle-duster.

Walking Shadows |Alfred Noyes
Knuckle-duster, a large, heavy, or over-gaudy ring; a ring which attracts attention from its size.

The Slang Dictionary |John Camden Hotten
I have used a hand-bayonet which sticks out from the fist like a knuckle-duster and is about six inches long.

"Over There" with the Australians |R. Hugh Knyvett

The fact is that the sight of the knuckle-duster had changed my mood.

The Uttermost Farthing |R. Austin Freeman

knuckle-duster

(often plural) a metal bar fitted over the knuckles, often with holes for the fingers, for inflicting injury by a blow with the fist