Side1, n.
n. [A-S. side, L. Ger. sied, siede, D. zijde, Dan. side, Sw. & Icel. sida, O. H. Ger. sīta, M. H. Ger. sīte, N. H. Ger. seite, from A-S. sīdan, to be extended, sīd, large, spacious, Scot. side, Dan. & Sw. sīd, Icel. sīdr, loose.]
Sense 1. The margin, edge, verge, or border of a surface; especially (when the thing spoken of is somewhat oblong in shape) one of the longer edges; the bounding line of a geometrical figure; as, the side of a field, of a square or triangle, of a river, of a road, and the like.
Sense 2. One of the surfaces which define or limit a solid, especially (when there is a difference in length), one of the longer surfaces; as, the side of a box, a plank, a lens, and the like.
Sense 3. Any outer portion of a thing considered apart from, and yet in relation to, the rest; as, the upper side of a sphere; also, any part or position viewed as opposite to or contrasted with another; as, this or that side. “Looking around on every *side.” Milton.
Sense 4. One half of the body (human or otherwise), considered as opposite to the other half; especially, one of the halves of the body lying on either side of the mesial plane, that is, of a plane passing from front to back through the spine; the part of the body about the ribs.
One of the soldiers with a spear pierced his side. John xix. 34.
Sense 5. A slope or declivity, as of a hill, considered as opposed to another slope over the ridge. “Along the side of yon small hill.” Milton.
Sense 6. The position of a person or party regarded as opposed to another person or party, whether as a rival or a foe; a body of advocates or partisans; a party.
God on our side, doubt not of victory. Shak.
It is true we have not always been of this same side in politics. Landor.
Sense 7. The interest or cause which one maintains against another; a doctrine opposed to another doctrine; a view contradictory to another; hence, interest; favor. “Sets the passions on the side of truth.” Pope.
The Lord is on my side. Ps. cxviii. 6.
Sense 8. A line of descent traced through one parent, as distinguished from that traced through another.
To sit upon thy father David’s throne, By mother’s side thy father. Milton.
By the side of, close at hand; near to.—Exterior side. (Fort.) See EXTERIOR, and Illust. of Ravelin.—Interior side (Fort.), the line drawn from the center of one bastion to that of the next, or the line of the curtain produced to the two oblique radii in front. Scott.—To choose sides, to select parties for competition in exercises of any kind.—To take sides, to embrace the opinions, or attach one’s self to the interest, of a party when in opposition to another.—Side by side, close together and abreast; in company or along with.