SHOULDER
noun
Definitions
- 1. 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.
- 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. Then by main force pulled up, and on his shoulders bore The gates of Azza. Milton. Adown her shoulders fell her length of hair. Dryden.
- 3. Fig.: That which supports or sustains; support. In thy shoulder do I build my seat. Shak.
- 4. That which resembles a human shoulder, as any protuberance or projection from the body of a thing. The north western shoulder of the mountain. Sir W. Scott.
- 5. The upper joint of the fore leg and adjacent parts of an animal, dressed for market; as, a shoulder of mutton.
- 6. The angle of a bastion included between the face and flank. See Illust. of Bastion.
- 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. 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. See Illust. in App.
Other Definitions
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Added: October 09, 2025
Updated: October 09, 2025