Bŏ'som1, n.
(Synop., §130), n. [A-S. bōsum, bōsem, D. boezem, Fries. bōsm, O. H. Ger. puosum, M. H. Ger. buosen, N. H. Ger. busen.]
Sense 1. The breast of a human being; the part between the arms to which any thing is pressed by them.
You must prepare your bosom for his knife. Shak.
Sense 2. The breast, considered as the seat of the passions, affections, and operations of the mind; consciousness; secret thoughts.
Tut! I am in their bosoms, and I know Wherefore they do it. Shak.
If I covered my transgressions as Adam, by hiding my iniquity in my bosom. Job xxxi. 33.
Sense 3. Embrace; loving or affectionate inclosure. “In the bosom of the church.”
Sense 4. Any inclosed place; the interior; as, the bosom of the earth or of the deep.
Sense 5. The part of the dress worn upon the breast.
He put his hand into his bosom; and when he took it out, behold, his hand was leprous as snow. Ex. iv. 6.
Sense 6. Inclination; desire. [Obs.] Shak.
Sense 7. In composition, intimate; confidential; familiar; dear; as, bosom-friend, an intimate or confidential friend; bosom-lover, bosom-secret, &c.