a part of a tree, from which shoots out branches, roots, or even fruit. The use of the knots is, to strengthen the stem; they serve also as searces, to filtrate, purify, and refine the juices raised up for the nourishment of the plant.

Knots of a Rope, among seamen, are distinguished into three kinds, viz. whole-knot, that made so with the lays of a rope that it cannot slip, serving for sheets, tacks, and stoppers; bow-line knot, that so firmly made and fastened to the cringles of the sails, that they must break or the sail split before it slips; and and sheep-shank knot, that made by shortening a rope without cutting it, which may be presently loosened, and the rope not the worse for it.

Knots of the Log-line, at sea, are the divisions of it. See the article Log.

ornithology. See Tringa.

Knot-Grafs, or Bifhort. See Polygonum.

Knot (Edward), born in Northumberland in England, entered among the Jesuits at the age of 26, being already in priest's orders. This happened in the year 1566. He taught a long time at Rome in the English college; and was afterwards appointed sub-provincial of the college of England, and was sent provincial thither. He was twice honoured with that employment. He was present as provincial at the general assembly of the order of the Jesuits held at Rome in 1646, and was chosen definitor. He died in 1696. He published several pieces; among the rest, Mercy and Truth, or Charity maintained by the Catholics; against Dr Potter, who had charged the church of Rome with wanting charity, because she asserts that a man cannot be saved in the Protestant communion.