(hocks)
1.
A hock is a piece of meat from above the foot of an animal, especially a pig.
N-COUNT: usu n N
2.
If someone is in hock, they are in debt.
Even company directors on ?100,000 a year can be deeply in hock to the banks.
PHRASE: v-link PHR, oft PHR to n
3.
If you are in hock to someone, you feel you have to do things for them because they have given you money or support.
It is almost impossible for the prime minister to stand above the factions. He always seems in hock to one or another.
PHRASE: v-link PHR n