Hip joint

(Anat.) One of the most important articulations in the body, and the most complete example of the ball and socket-joint. The hip-joint is made up of two bones, - the acetabulum, or cup-like cavity in the os in nomina tum, or three bones forming one-half of the pelvis; and the head of the femur, or thigh-bone, the same provision being made here, by capsular, conical, transverse, and lateral ligaments, to secure the bone in its socket, and yet afford unlimited play to the limb: while, to guard it from blows and the force of accidents, the part is padded with a number of short, fleshy muscles, in addition to which a quantity of adipose ti ue beneath the cuticle still further protects the part. Hip'-knob, (-nob,) n. (Arch.) A pinnacle, finial, or other similar ornament, placed on the apex of the hips of a roof or the point of a gable. Hip'-moulding, n. ( Arch .) A moulding placed on the beam which forms the hip of a roof.