Ham"string` (?), n. Anat.
One of the great tendons situated in each side of the ham, or space back of the knee, and connected with the muscles of the back of the thigh.
© Webster 1913.
Ham"string`, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Hamstrung; p. pr. & vb. n. Hamstringing. See String.]
To lame or disable by cutting the tendons of the ham or knee; to hough; hence, to cripple; to incapacitate; to disable.
So have they hamstrung the valor of the subject by seeking to effeminate us all at home.
Milton.
© Webster 1913.