Shoul·der n.
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.
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. Fort. 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.