part of a tree, from which shoot 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; bowline 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 sheep-shank knot, that made by shortening a rope without cutting it, which may be presently loosed, and the rope not the worse for it.

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

Knot, See Tringa, Ornithology Index.

Knot Grass, or Bistort. See Polygonum, Botany Index.