nelson English · revision 6250

+ {{infobox|confidence=uncertain|formation=eponym|attested=1875}}

+

+ ==Pronunciation==

+ * IPA: /ˈnɛlsən/^(Wiktionary)

+

+ ==Etymology==

+ It is apparently from the surname Nelson, but whose name it was is unknown.^(Etymonline)^(NODE 1998)^(MWU 2024)^(SOED 2002)

+

+ ==Earliest recorded meaning==

+ A wrestling hold: 1875, as ''Full Nelson'', in ''Chambers's Journal'' on Lancashire wrestling;^(Etymonline) 1889 in the OED and MWU.^(OED 1989)^(MWU 2024)

+

+ ==Semantic evolution==

+ The full or double nelson passes both arms under the opponent's arms from behind and clasps the hands on the back of the neck; the half nelson uses one arm.^(SOED 2002)^(Collins 2023) Figuratively a half nelson is a firm hold on someone.^(AHD)

+

+ ==Timeline==

+ * 1875 – Full Nelson.^(Etymonline)

+ * 1889 – nelson in the OED.^(OED 1989)

+

+ ==Modern meaning==

+ ===Noun===

+ # ''(wrestling)'' A hold in which one or both arms are passed under the opponent's arms from behind, with pressure on the back of the neck.^(AHD)^(Collins 2023)

+

+ ==Word family==

+ * [[half nelson]]

+

+ ==Related words==

+ * [[full nelson]]

+ * [[wrestling]]

+

+ ==Usage notes==

+ ''Nelson'', capitalized, names things associated with Admiral Horatio Nelson (1758–1805), such as a ''Nelson eye'', a blind eye, and the ''Nelson cake''.^(SOED 2002)^(OED 1989)

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+ ==References==

+ {{reflist}}