notch

 
Pronunciation: /nɒtʃ/

noun

  • 1an indentation or incision on an edge or surface: there was a notch in the end of the arrow for the bowstring
  • each of a series of holes for the tongue of a buckle: he tightened his belt an extra notch
  • a nick made on something in order to keep a score or record: figurative I didn’t want to be just another notch on Nathan’s bedpost
  • a point or degree in a scale: her opinion of Nicole dropped a few notches
  • 2North American a deep, narrow mountain pass.

verb

[with object]
  • 1make notches in: (as adjective notched) notched bamboo sticks
  • secure or insert by means of notches: she notched her belt tighter
  • 2score or achieve (something): he notched up fifteen years' service with the company

Derivatives

notcher

noun

Origin:

mid 16th century: probably from Anglo-Norman French noche, variant of Old French osche, of unknown origin