armhook

Noun

armhook (plural armhooks)

1. A hook-like projection on the arm of a cephalopod, such as on the armhook squid (Gonatus fabricii).
   • In Ancistrotheutis the attachment ring persists, and the hook sac surrounding the tentacle hook is closed except during function contrary to the condition in the armhooks where the hook always projects from the sac.1977, Videnskabelige meddelelser fra Dansk naturhistorisk forening
   • The bivalve Posidonia permica frequently occurs in large concentrations on slabs of the shale in which there are also concentrations of cephaloped prehensile armhooks representing no doubt distorted natural assemblages from single individuals.1988, Rapport: - Issues 140-142, page 101
2. (folk dancing) A movement in which two people hook arms at the elbow and turn around each other.
   • When the partners meet they form armhook with each other, turn around once, let go, and continue the march till they again meet, when they march up into straight flank formation and halt at the end of the stanza.1908, Jakob Bolin, Swedish Song-plays
   • With a clap the first and second men take right armhook with own ladies, then left with each other, right with own ladies, then left with each other, and retire to the same places as at the finish of part A ;1915, Elizabeth Burchenal, Folk-dances of Denmark: containing seventy-three dances, page 66
3. A hook for maneuvering something using the arm.
   • By the arrangement of these armhooks, it is possible for nurses to open doors while both hands are occupied.1919, Architecture and Building - Volume 51
   • The pushcarts and automobiles may be single painted cardboards inserted on wooden runners. The automobiles may be moved across the stage by a player behind the cardboard. A cloth armhook will hold it steady.1938, Lockie Parker, Story Parade - Volume 3, page 17