The joint by which the arm of a human being or the fore leg of a quadruped is connected with the body; or in man, the projection formed by the bones called scapula or shoulder blades, which extend from the basis of the neck in a horizontal direction.

The upper joint of the fore leg of an animal cut for th emarket; as a shoulder of mutton.

Shoulders, in the plural, the upper part of the back. Adown her shoulders fell her length of hair.

Figuratively, support; sustaining power; or that which elevates and sustains. For on thy shoulders do I build my seat.

Among artificers, something like the human shoulder; a horizontal or rectangular projection from the body of a thing.

To push or thrust with the shoulder; to push with violence. Around her numberless the rabble flow’d, Should’ring each other, crowding for a view. Rowe. As they the earth would shoulder from her seat. Spenser.

To take upon the shoulder; as, to shoulder a basket.