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Webster's Dictionary (1865)

2 entries under this word

Shoulder

Shōul'der, n.

noun

n. [O. Eng. shulder, A-S. sculdor, Dan. skulder, Sw. skuldra, L. Ger. schuller, D. schouder, O. H. Ger. sculdorra, scultirra, scultra, sculdra, N. H. Ger. schulter, probably from Icel. & Sw. skylta, to cover, defend, and allied to shield.]

  1. (Anat.) The joint by which the arm of a human being, or the fore leg of a quadruped, is connected with the body; the projection formed by the bones and the muscles about that joint, at the base of the neck, on each side.
  2. The flesh and muscles connected with the shoulder-joint; and hence, 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. “On his shoulder bore the gates of Azza.” Milton.

Adown her shoulders fell her length of hair. Dryden. 3. Hence, that which supports or sustains; support. On thy shoulders do I build my seat. Shak.

  1. That which resembles a human shoulder, as any protuberance or projecting appendage from the body of a thing. “The north-western shoulder of the mountain.” W. Scott.
  2. The fore leg of an animal dressed for market.
  3. (Forf.) The angle of a bastion included between the face and flank. [See Illust. of Bastion.]

Shōul'der, v. t.

verbtransitive

[imp. & p. p. SHOULDERED; p. pr. & vb. n. SHOULDERING.]

Sense 1. To push or thrust with the shoulder; to push with violence. “As they the earth would shoulder from her seat.” Spenser.

Around her numberless the rabble flowed, Shouldering each other, crowding for a view. Rowe.

Sense 2. To take upon the shoulder; as, to shoulder a basket; hence, to assume the burden or responsibility of.

As if Hercules Or burly Atlas shouldered up their state. Marston.