knot

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knot in nautical usage, knot denoted any of a number of divisions marked by knots at fixed intervals on a log line and used as a measure of speed (originally from the rate the knots run out while a sand-glass is running). From this comes the sense of a unit of speed equivalent to one nautical mile per hour, used especially of ships, aircraft, or winds.
knot garden a formal garden laid out in an intricate design; knot was used from the late 15th century to denote a flower-bed laid out in a fanciful or ornate shape.

See also cut the Gordian knot at Gordium, true-love knot.

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