neck /nek/

1. The part connecting head and trunk (often in allusion to the halter or the yoke; figurative)
2. The flesh of that part regarded as food
3. Anything resembling that part
4. The part connecting the head and body of anything, eg a violin
5. The plain lower part of the capital of a column (architecture)
6. Any narrow connecting part, eg an isthmus
7. Anything narrow and throatlike, such as the upper part of a bottle
8. (in mosses and ferns) the upper tubular part of the archegonium (botany)
9. A plug of igneous or fragmental rock filling a volcanic vent
10. A col
11. The part of a garment on or nearest the neck
12. The length of a horse's head and neck, used to measure its lead in a race
13. Impudence, audacity (slang)

1. To strike, pull, or chop the neck of, esp so as to kill
2. To catch or fasten by the neck
3. To kiss amorously (informal)
4. To make a neck on
5. To drink (slang)

To kiss amorously

neckˈatee noun (obsolete)

A neckerchief

necked adjective

Having a neck

neckˈing noun

1. The neck of a column (architecture)
2. A moulding between the capital and shaft of a column, a gorgerin (architecture)
3. Embracing, petting (informal)

neckˈlet noun

1. A simple form of necklace
2. A pendant strung for the neck
3. A small boa or fur for the neck

neckˈband noun

1. The part of a shirt, etc encircling the neck
2. A band worn on the neck

neckˈbeef noun

1. The coarse flesh of the neck of cattle
2. Inferior stuff

neckˈ-bone noun

A cervical vertebra

neckˈcloth noun

A piece of folded cloth worn round the neck by men as a band or cravat, with the ends hanging down, often made of lace

neckˈerchief noun

An ornamental cloth, a kerchief for the neck

neckˈgear noun

Apparel for the neck

neckˈ-herrˈing noun (obsolete)

A heavy blow on the neck

necking party noun (informal)

A petting party

neckˈlace /-lis or -ləs/ noun

1. A lace, chain, or string of beads or precious stones worn around the neck
2. (in South Africa) the punishment of having a petrol-soaked tyre placed round the neck or shoulders and set alight, traditionally used by black people on those thought to be government sympathizers (also called neckˈlacing)

transitive verb

(in South Africa) to kill with a necklace

neckˈline noun

The edge of a garment at the neck

neckˈ-moulding noun

A moulding where the capital of a column joins the shaft

neckˈpiece noun

A piece of cloth, etc forming, covering, or bordering a neck

neckˈ-sweetˈbread noun

The thymus gland of veal or lamb

neckˈtie noun (esp N American)

1. A band of fabric tied round the neck under the collar and usu hanging down in front, a tie
2. A hangman's noose (US sl)

necktie party noun (US sl)

A lynching

neckˈverse noun

The test of ability to read for those who claimed benefit of clergy (qv), usu Psalm 51.1, success giving the privilege of being branded on the hand instead of hanging

neckˈwear noun

Clothing for the neck, such as ties or scarves

neckˈweed noun

1. Hemp, source of the hangman's rope (old slang)
2. A kind of speedwell, from its reputed medicinal virtue (US)

get it in the neck (informal)

To be severely dealt with or hard hit

harden the neck

To grow more obstinate

neck and crop

1. Completely
2. Bodily
3. In a heap
4. Summarily and unceremoniously

neck and neck

1. Exactly equal
2. Side by side

neck of the woods (informal)

A particular area, part of the country

neck or nothing

Risking everything

save one's neck

To escape narrowly with one's life or reputation

stick one's neck out

To put oneself at risk, expose oneself to trouble, danger or contradiction

talk through the back of one's neck

To talk wildly or absurdly wide of the truth

• FIG
• fig-bird
• fig-birds
• figged
• figgeries
• figgery
• figging
• fight
• fightable
• fight back
• fightback
• fighter
• fighters
• fighting
• fighting chance
• fighting chances
• fighting cock
• fighting cocks
• fighting drunk
• fighting fish
• fighting fishes
• fighting fit
• Fighting French
• fighting fund
• fightings