Shoulder

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]