knack

plural knacks

1. A readiness in performance; aptness at doing something.First known use 1580

   The sophist runs for cover to the darkness of what is not and attaches himself to it by some knack of his;

   2005, Plato, translated by Lesley Brown, Sophist, page 254a

   2 more examples

   These men had some uncanny knack of knowing when the steel was right, and like many such things, it just could not be put into a textbook on the subject.

   1945 January and February, A Former Pupil, “Some memories of Crewe Works—III”, in Railway Magazine, page 14

   And the Premier League's all-time top-goalscoring midfielder proved he has not lost the knack of being in the right place at the right time with a trio of clinical finishes.

   2011 October 2, Jonathan Jurejko, “Bolton 1–5 Chelsea”, in BBC Sport

   Synonyms: skill, facility, dexterity, feeling

2. A petty contrivance; a toy.

   Synonyms: plaything, knickknack, toy

3. Something performed, or to be done, requiring aptness and dexterity.First known use mid 14th c.

   Synonyms: trick, device

present singular third person knacks · participle present knacking · participle past knacked · past knacked

1. UKdialectalobsoleteTo crack; to make a sharp, abrupt noise; to chink.

   If they hear the Beads knack upon each other, that's enough.

   1674, Joseph Hall, Bishop Hall's sayings concerning travellers to prevent popish and debauch'd principles, William Miller

2. To speak affectedly.

plural Knacks

1. A surname.