hank
UK[hæŋk]US[hæŋk]
n
A loop, coil, or length of rope, yarn, or similar material, especially one that is coiled or looped for storage.
Etymology
The word 'hank' entered English from Old Norse, a language spoken by the Vikings who settled in parts of England. The Old Norse word hǫnk referred to a coil or a loop, a practical term for managing lengths of cord or yarn. While its deeper origins are obscure, it is plausibly connected to the concept of hanging or curving, actions intrinsic to forming a loop. Over time, it became a standard term in English, particularly in nautical contexts and textile crafts, retaining its core meaning of a coiled unit.
Analysis
This word is a simplex form. It is a loanword from Scandinavian languages (e.g., Old Norse hǫnk meaning "a coil, a hank") into Middle English. Its ultimate origin is uncertain but may be related to a Proto-Germanic root meaning "to hang" or "to curve."
Examples
She bought a hank of wool to knit a scarf.
The sailor deftly coiled the rope into a neat hank.
A single hank of this silk thread is quite expensive.