from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Shoulder \Shoul"der\, 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.
[1913 Webster]
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.
[1913 Webster]
Then by main force pulled up, and on his shoulders
bore
The gates of Azza. --Milton.
[1913 Webster]
Adown her shoulders fell her length of hair.
--Dryden.
[1913 Webster]
3. Fig.: That which supports or sustains; support.
[1913 Webster]
In thy shoulder do I build my seat. --Shak.
[1913 Webster]
4. That which resembles a human shoulder, as any protuberance
or projection from the body of a thing.
[1913 Webster]
The north western shoulder of the mountain. --Sir W.
Scott.
[1913 Webster]
5. The upper joint of the fore leg and adjacent parts of an
animal, dressed for market; as, a shoulder of mutton.
[1913 Webster]
6. (Fort.) The angle of a bastion included between the face
and flank. See Illust. of {Bastion}.
[1913 Webster]
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.
[1913 Webster]
{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.
[1913 Webster]