D defs.my
Entry 8 senses · 3 variants Webster, 1913

Boss

/(bŏs; 115)/ · IPA /bɔs/
01 n. Any protuberant part; a round, swelling part or body; a knoblike process; as, a boss of wood.
pl. Bosses ((-ĕz))
  1. 1.
    Any protuberant part; a round, swelling part or body; a knoblike process; as, a boss of wood.
  2. 2.
    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. See: Umbilicus
  3. 3.
    A projecting ornament placed at the intersection of the ribs of ceilings, whether vaulted or flat, and in other situations.(Arch.)
  4. 4.
    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.
  5. 5.
    The enlarged part of a shaft, on which a wheel is keyed, or at the end, where it is coupled to another.(Mech.)
  6. 6.
    A head or reservoir of water.[Obs.]
02 v. t. To ornament with bosses; to stud.
imp. & p. p. Bossed; p. pr. & vb. n. Bossing
  1. 1.
    To ornament with bosses; to stud.
03 n. A master workman or superintendent; a director or manager; a political dictator.
  1. 1.
    A master workman or superintendent; a director or manager; a political dictator.[Slang, U. S.]