shoulder

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 ]