Where did it come from and what does it mean to say, “battered knuckle”?

The phrase "battered knuckle" has been used to describe a condition in which the skin around the knuckle is worn down and damaged due to excessive use or abuse. It is often associated with manual labor, such as carpentry, plumbing, or other types of work that require frequent use of the hands. The phrase is believed to have originated in the late 19th century, when manual labor was more common and the phrase was used to describe the condition of a worker's hands.

The phrase has also been used to describe a situation in which a person has been physically abused. In this context, the phrase is used to describe a person who has sustained physical injuries to their hands, such as bruises, scrapes, or cuts, as a result of being hit or punched. This usage of the phrase has become more common in recent years, as awareness of domestic violence and other forms of abuse has grown.

In both contexts, the phrase "battered knuckle" is used to describe a situation in which the knuckles have become worn down and damaged due to excessive use or abuse. The phrase is a reminder that physical abuse is not only damaging to the body, but can also have long-term psychological and emotional effects.