Merriam-Webster's Collegiate® Dictionary, 11th Edition
SOCK
I. noun (plural socks)
Etymology: Middle English socke, from Old English socc, from Latin soccus Date: before 12th century a low shoe or slipper, a knitted or woven covering for the foot usually worn under shoes and extending above the ankle and sometimes to the knee,
3. a shoe worn by actors in Greek and Roman comedy, comic drama, sockless adjective
II. verb
Etymology: origin unknown
Date: circa 1700
transitive verb to hit, strike, or apply forcefully , intransitive verb to deliver a blow ; hit ,
III. noun
Date: circa 1700
a vigorous or violent blow