縄の留め木

馬・ロバや荷車に掛けた縄の端に結ぶ鉤形の木。比喩的に、不当に着せられた汚名や、心に抱く疑い・悪意も指す。

A hooked piece of wood tied to the end of a rope used on pack animals or carts; figuratively, an unjust slur, or a grudge or ill intent held in the heart.