Nelsons

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. A surname of English origin often associated with prominent figures, including naval admirals and historical leaders
2. A term used to refer to a specific group or reference point linked to individuals known for military or naval success
3. A plural form used to indicate multiple instances or members of the Nelson family, often recognized in various cultural or historical contexts

Etymology: "Nelsons" is simply the plural of "nelson," and the plural matters here because the singular names a specific wrestling hold and a cricket score, not a surname. In wrestling, a "full nelson" is a hold in which the wrestler locks both arms under the opponent's arms and clasps the hands behind the neck, and "nelson" is a back-formation from that term, meaning the word was shortened from the longer phrase rather than built up from a name. The cricket sense is more famous and less certain. A "nelson" there is a score of 111 runs, and the name is traditionally tied to Lord Nelson, supposedly because he had one eye, one arm and one leg. That explanation is widely repeated, but its origin is disputed, so it is best treated as a story that people tell rather than a established fact.