BOSS • DICTIONARY ONE.COM • Definition of Boss

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/bɑs/ /bɔs/ Listen

noun

Boss n. (pl. bosses)

Any protuberant part; a round, swelling part or body; a knoblike process; as, a boss of wood.

A protuberant ornament on any work, either of different material from that of the work or of the same, as upon a buckler or bridle; a stud; a knob; the central projection of a shield. See Umbilicus.

(Arch.) A projecting ornament placed at the intersection of the ribs of ceilings, whether vaulted or flat, and in other situations.

A wooden vessel for the mortar used in tiling or masonry, hung by a hook from the laths, or from the rounds of a ladder.

(Mech.)

(a)

The enlarged part of a shaft, on which a wheel is keyed, or at the end, where it is coupled to another.

(b)

A swage or die used for shaping metals.

A head or reservoir of water. (Obs.)

Boss n. A master workman or superintendent; a director or manager; a political dictator. (Slang, U. S.)

verb

Boss v. t. (past & past part. bossed; pres. part. bossing) To ornament with bosses; to stud.

See images of 'Boss'

Etymology of 'Boss'

Collaborative International Dictionary of English 0.48

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"Boss" Quotes from Famous Books

... it. You were poor and of an age when the boy's pranks were troublesome to both of you, but you took him in. I'll lend you the interest and try to get another holder for the mortgage on one condition. You must let me attend to Bart's schooling. I want to be the boss about that. We have a great schoolmaster in Canton and when Bart is a little older I want him to go there to school. I'll try to find him a place where he ...

— The Light in the Clearing • Irving Bacheller

... contained perfect skeletons. In one grave lay the bones of a great lady; buried with her was a beautiful wooden drinking-cup, its staves fastened by bronze bands of an intricate Runic pattern of coiled snakes. Another grave held the skeleton of a warrior giant, his sword lying across him and the boss of his shield upon his foot. Mr. Flower thinks he can add a name. Coulsdon is a corruption of Cuthredesdune, and perhaps Cuthred, an Anglo-Saxon prince, lies buried here with his family. Cuthred, son of Cwichelm, and grandson of Cynegils, the first Christian king ...

— Highways and Byways in Surrey • Eric Parker

... to disguise his feelings. Spies are always kept dead secrets and if possible not let into the newspapers. Perhaps even your father hasn't been told. He doesn't appear to be head boss, and they mightn't mention it to him. That's what makes it such an absolutely gorgeous scoop for us. We'll get off as early as we can tomorrow. You couldn't start before breakfast, could you? The ...

— Priscilla's Spies 1912 • George A. Birmingham

... raised one hand to his lips, making a funnel of it. He was about to shout at the driver, but thought better of the idea and let the hand drop. "Shucks," he said, "I reckon there ain't any real danger. But I expect the boss gasser of the outfit will be gettin' his'n pretty quick now." He leaned forward and watched the buckboard, his lean under jaw thrown forward, a grim smile on his lips. He noted with satisfaction that the elderly couple in the rear seat, and the girl in the front one, were holding ...

— The Range Boss • Charles Alden Seltzer

... of Ross's talk was drawn up into the clouds (so it pleased me to fancy) and there condensed into the finer snowflakes of thought; and we sat silent about the stove, as good friends and bitter enemies will do. I thought of Boss's preamble about the mysterious influence upon man exerted by that ermine-lined monster that now covered our little world, and knew ...

— Waifs and Strays - Part 1 • O. Henry

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