tuck
tuck
UK[tʌk]US[tʌk]
v
to push, fold, or turn the ends or edges of something, such as cloth or paper, so that they are held in place or look neat
v
to put something into a small, close, or hidden place, especially to store it or keep it safe
n
a fold that is sewn into a piece of clothing or cloth, either for decoration or to change its shape
n
a medical operation to remove loose skin or fat from part of one's body
Etymology
the verb 'tuck' originates from the old english word tūcian, meaning 'to torment, treat harshly,' which later evolved in middle english to tukken with the sense 'to pull, pluck.' this semantic shift from harsh treatment to a pulling or gathering action is a common path of linguistic softening. the core concept of drawing something tight or into a confined space led to the modern meanings involving folding, securing, or putting away neatly. it is related to middle low german tucken (to pull up) and old high german zucchen (to snatch), all pointing to a common germanic root concerned with a sharp, pulling motion.
Analysis
this word is a simplex form derived from a germanic root. it does not contain separable, productive morphemes in modern english.
Examples
he tucked his shirt neatly into his trousers.
she tucked the letter into a drawer for safekeeping.
the dress was altered with a tuck at the waist.