Hub

Hub (?), n. [See 1st Hob.] 1. The central part, usually cylindrical, of a wheel; the nave. See Illust. of Axle box.

2. The hilt of a weapon. Halliwell.

3. A rough protuberance or projecting obstruction; as, a hub in the road. [U.S.] See Hubby.

4. A goal or mark at which quoits, etc., are cast.

5. (Diesinking) A hardened, engraved steel punch for impressing a device upon a die, used in coining, etc.

6. A screw hob. See Hob, 3.

7. A block for scotching a wheel.

Hub plank (Highway Bridges), a horizontal guard plank along a truss at the height of a wagon-wheel hub. -- Up to the hub, as far as possible in embarrassment or difficulty, or in business, like a wheel sunk in mire; deeply involved. [Colloq.]