Elbow

n. [A-S. elboga, elnboga, elneboga, from eln, an ell, originally like Lat. ulna, the fore part of the arm, fore-arm, and boga, bow; L. Ger. elleboge, D. elleboog, N. H. Ger. ellbogen, ellenbogen, O. H. Ger. ellinboga, ellinpogo, Icel. albogi, oblogi, Dan. albue, Scot. elbock, elbuck. Cf. ALNAGE.]

1. The outer angle made by the bend of the arm; the joint connecting the arm and fore-arm. “Her arms to the elbows naked.” R. Gloucester.
2. Any flexure or angle, especially if obtuse, as of a wall, building, and the like; a sudden turn or bend, as in a river or sea-coast; also an angular or jointed part of any structure, as the raised arm of a chair or sofa;—used also in compounds of any thing shaped or moving like the elbow; as, an elbow-joint.
3. (pl.) (Arch.) The upright sides which flank any paneled work, as in windows below the shutters, &c. Gwilt.

To be at the elbow, to be very near; to be by the side; to be at hand.—To be up to the elbow, to be wholly occupied or absorbed.—Elbow-grease, energetic application of force in manual labor; vigorous and continued labor. [Low.]