(Homonym: nock).
1. The act of hitting vigorously; SYN. belt, rap, whack, whang.
2. The sound of knocking (as on a door or in an engine or bearing); SYN. knocking.
3. A vigorous blow; SYN. bash, bang, smash, belt.
4. Negative criticism; SYN. roast.
5. A bad experience.

Village in County Mayo, W Ireland, known for its church shrine (the Basilica of Our Lady, Queen of Ireland), one of three national places of pilgrimage (with Lough Derg and Croagh Patrick). On 21 Aug 1879 it was the scene of an alleged apparition of the Virgin Mary, St Joseph, and St John to some 14 people. Pope John Paul II (the first pope to set foot on Irish soil) celebrated Mass for the Sick here 100 years later, 1979.
Horan International Airport (1986) receives transatlantic flights.

ETYM Vulgar Slang, u. s.
(Homonym: nock).
1. To deliver a sharp blow or push ; SYN. strike hard.
2. To rap with the knuckles.