out at elbow

Webster's Dictionary (GCIDE)

1.The joint or bend of the arm; the outer curve in the middle of the arm when bent. [1913 Webster]

Her arms to the elbows naked.— R. of Gloucester.[1913 Webster]

2.Any turn or bend like that of the elbow, in a wall, building, and the like; a sudden turn in a line of coast or course of a river; also, an angular or jointed part of any structure, as the raised arm of a chair or sofa, or a short pipe fitting, turning at an angle or bent. [1913 Webster]

3.(Arch.) A sharp angle in any surface of wainscoting or other woodwork; the upright sides which flank any paneled work, as the sides of windows, where the jamb makes an elbow with the window back. --Gwilt. [1913 Webster]

Note: Elbow is used adjectively or as part of a compound, to denote something shaped like, or acting like, an elbow; as, elbow joint; elbow tongs or elbow-tongs; elbowroom, elbow-room, or elbow room. [1913 Webster]

At the elbow, very near; at hand.

Elbow grease, energetic application of force in manual labor. [Low]

Elbow in the hawse (Naut.), the twisting together of two cables by which a vessel rides at anchor, caused by swinging completely round once. --Totten.

Elbow scissors (Surg.), scissors bent in the blade or shank for convenience in cutting. --Knight.

Out at elbow, with coat worn through at the elbows; shabby; in needy circumstances. [1913 Webster]