GNU Collaborative International Dictionary of English

Found one definition

  1.       
    
    Shoulder , n. [OE. shulder, shuldre, schutder, AS. sculdor; akin to D. schoulder, G. schulter, OHG. scultarra, Dan. skulder, Sw. skuldra.]
    1. (Anat.) The joint, or the region of the joint, by which the fore limb is connected with the body or with the shoulder girdle; the projection formed by the bones and muscles about that joint.
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    2. The flesh and muscles connected with the shoulder joint; the upper part of the back; that part of the human frame on which it is most easy to carry a heavy burden; -- often used in the plural.
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      Then by main force pulled up, and on his shoulders bore
      The gates of Azza.
      Milton.

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      Adown her shoulders fell her length of hair.
      Dryden.

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    3. Fig.: That which supports or sustains; support.
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      In thy shoulder do I build my seat.
      Shak.

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    4. That which resembles a human shoulder, as any protuberance or projection from the body of a thing.
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      The north western shoulder of the mountain.
      Sir W. Scott.

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    5. The upper joint of the fore leg and adjacent parts of an animal, dressed for market; as, a shoulder of mutton.
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    6. (Fort.) The angle of a bastion included between the face and flank.
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    7. An abrupt projection which forms an abutment on an object, or limits motion, etc., as the projection around a tenon at the end of a piece of timber, the part of the top of a type which projects beyond the base of the raised character, etc.
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      Shoulder belt, a belt that passes across the shoulder. -- Shoulder blade (Anat.), the flat bone of the shoulder, to which the humerus is articulated; the scapula. -- Shoulder block (Naut.), a block with a projection, or shoulder, near the upper end, so that it can rest against a spar without jamming the rope. -- Shoulder clapper, one who claps another on the shoulder, or who uses great familiarity. [Obs.] Shak. -- Shoulder girdle. (Anat.) See Pectoral girdle, under Pectoral. -- Shoulder knot, an ornamental knot of ribbon or lace worn on the shoulder; a kind of epaulet or braided ornament worn as part of a military uniform. -- Shoulder-of-mutton sail (Naut.), a triangular sail carried on a boat's mast; -- so called from its shape. -- Shoulder slip, dislocation of the shoulder, or of the humerous. Swift. -- Shoulder strap, a strap worn on or over the shoulder. Specifically (Mil. & Naval), a narrow strap worn on the shoulder of a commissioned officer, indicating, by a suitable device, the rank he holds in the service.

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