akimbo
adverb
No English definition recorded for this entry.
L185432 on Wikidata ↗adjective
No English definition recorded for this entry.
L334352 on Wikidata ↗Wiktionary
Pronunciation: /əˈkɪm.bəʊ/ / /əˈkɪm.boʊ/
adj
Etymology: From Middle English in kenebowe, in kene bowe (“in a keen bow”, i.e. “in a sharp bend or angle”), from in (“in”) + keen, kene (“brave, keen, sharp”) + bowe (“bow, bend”). Alternately, possibly from Old Norse kengr (“bent”) + bogi (“a bow”), compare Icelandic kengboginn (“bow-bent”).
- With a crook or bend; with the hand on the hip and elbow turned outward.
“"Now, then, mister," said he, with his head cocked and his arms akimbo, "what are you driving at? Let's have it straight, now."”
“Girls take hold of the skirts; boys place the hands akimbo, bend forward from the waist, and bow.”
- With legs spread and the knees bent in an outward or awkward way, sometimes with the feet touching.
adv
Etymology: From Middle English in kenebowe, in kene bowe (“in a keen bow”, i.e. “in a sharp bend or angle”), from in (“in”) + keen, kene (“brave, keen, sharp”) + bowe (“bow, bend”). Alternately, possibly from Old Norse kengr (“bent”) + bogi (“a bow”), compare Icelandic kengboginn (“bow-bent”).
- Into, in, or of the position where the arms are akimbo.
“The man was standing akimbo.”
“Otherwise, it is likely that she may be accosted as "dear" or "Sally,"—invited to take "a drop o' tea," or otherwise chaffed by rough women standing akimbo at street doors.”
- Of weapons, especially firearms: one held in each hand.
“Although it was a little impractical, Elmer held his revolvers akimbo because to him it looked cool.”
verb
Etymology: From Middle English in kenebowe, in kene bowe (“in a keen bow”, i.e. “in a sharp bend or angle”), from in (“in”) + keen, kene (“brave, keen, sharp”) + bowe (“bow, bend”). Alternately, possibly from Old Norse kengr (“bent”) + bogi (“a bow”), compare Icelandic kengboginn (“bow-bent”).
- To wield (two weapons), one in each hand.