housemaid's knee

noun

: a swelling over the knee due to an enlargement of the bursa in the front of the patella

Word History

Etymology

from its occurrence among women who work a great deal on their knees

First Known Use

1824, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

housemaid's knee

noun

: a swelling over the knee in front of the kneecap

Medical Definition

housemaid's knee

noun

house·​maid's knee ˈhau̇-ˌsmādz- 

: a swelling over the knee due to an enlargement of the bursa in the front of the patella