knocker

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   a hinged metal object fixed to a door and struck against it to attract attention inside

   There was no bell or knocker beside the castle door.

2. 2
   noun

   a person who knocks, especially someone seeking admission

   She opened the door to see who the late-night knocker was.

3. 3
   noun

   a person who habitually criticizes or disparages someone or something

   The proposal's loudest knocker had offered no practical alternative.

Formed from knock + the agent or instrument suffix -er. It can therefore name either a device that knocks or a person who knocks. The sense "detractor" comes from knock meaning "criticize or belittle." Door knocker is also written as the compound doorknocker.

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