bosomn.adj.
/ˈbʊzəm/ A. n.† 7.
1. † d. transferred. The womb. Obsolete.
a. The breast of a human being; also poetic of a bird, etc.
ΘΚΠ
the world > life > the body > external parts of body > trunk > front > [noun] > bosom
greadec897
barmc950
bosomc1000
breasta1400
bosie1737
bust1807
c1000 Ælfric Numbers xi. 12 Ðæt ic hig bære on minum bosume, swa fostormodor deþ cyld.
c1384 Bible (Wycliffite, E.V.) (Douce 369(2)) (1850) John xiii. 23 Oon of his disciplis was restinge in the bosum of Jhesu.
c1440 York Myst. xv. 104 A baren broche by a belle of tynne At youre bosom to be.
1594 W. Shakespeare Venus & Adonis (new ed.) sig. Eijv Within my bosome..My boding heart, pants.
1697 J. Dryden tr. Virgil Georgics iv, in tr. Virgil Wks. 123 Progne, with her Bosom stain'd in Blood. View more context for this quotation
1847 Ld. Tennyson Princess ii. 26 Doves That sun their milky bosoms on the thatch.
1864 Ld. Tennyson Aylmer's Field in Enoch Arden, etc. 86 The babe Too ragged to be fondled on her lap, Warm'd at her bosom?
b. The enclosure formed by the breast and the arms. in one's bosom: clasped to one's breast. Now only archaic, and chiefly in figurative Scriptural phrases, e.g. in Abraham's bosom (see Abraham n. 2).
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > safety > perfectly safe [phrase] > in a secure place
in one's bosomc1175
under lock and keya1393
c1175 Lamb. Hom. 53 Alse heo heom [heore euencristene] walde in to heore bosme puten.
c1175 Ormulum (Burchfield transcript) l. 19391 Iesu crist..Þatt inn hiss faderr bosemm iss.
c1384 Bible (Wycliffite, E.V.) (Douce 369(2)) (1850) Micah vii. 5 Hir that restith in thi bosum.
1420 in F. J. Furnivall Fifty Earliest Eng. Wills (1882) 47 That he resseyue me yn-to þe brode bosum off his mercy.
1578 Gude & Godlie Ballates (1868) 36 Quhen Lazarus he saw..In his bosome.
1816 Dance of Death xix. 53 Death..attacks this warrior, in the bosom of victory.
1866 J. M. Neale Sequences & Hymns 162 The child was in Abraham's bosom.
c. wife of one's bosom: originally a Hebraism adopted in the Bible of 1611; but its English use is influenced by senses A. 6a, A. 1b (The similar phrase husband of one's bosom, Deuteronomy xxviii. 56, never became current.) Hence, to take to one's bosom: to marry.
ΘΚΠ
society > society and the community > kinship or relationship > marriage or wedlock > married person > married woman > [noun] > wife
wifeeOE
womanc1275
peerc1330
spousessc1384
ladyc1390
good lady1502
girl?a1513
spousage1513
little lady1523
the weaker vessel1526
companion1535
wedlock1566
Mrs1572
dame1574
rib?1590
feme1595
fathom1602
feme covert1602
shrew1606
wife of one's bosom1611
kickie-wickiea1616
heifer1616
sposa1624
bosom-partner1633
goodwife1654
little woman1715
squaw1767
the Mrs1821
missus1823
maw1826
lady wife1840
tart1864
mistress1873
mama1916
ball and chain1921
trouble and strife1929
old boot1958
society > society and the community > kinship or relationship > marriage or wedlock > married person > married man > [noun] > husband
churla800
lordeOE
werec893
husbanda1275
mana1325
masterc1325
sovereign1390
maritea1398
husbandman?a1439
goodman?1507
baron1595
spouse1604
husband of one's bosom1611
old man1673
hubby1682
sposo1741
hub1809
master-man1825
pot and pan1900
mister1931
DH1993
society > society and the community > kinship or relationship > marriage or wedlock > action or fact of marrying > marry [verb (transitive)]
bewedc1000
bespousec1175
wieldc1275
marrish1340
wedc1380
geta1393
takea1400
espouse?1435
marry1441
couplec1540
contract1599
to take on1611
consort?1615
to take to one's bosom1881
nuptial1887
1611 Bible (King James) Deut. xiii. 6 The wife of thy bosome . View more context for this quotation
1611 Bible (King James) Deut. xxviii. 56 The husband of her bosome. View more context for this quotation
1747 J. Hervey Medit. (1753) II. 53 The Wife of his Bosom may expire by his Side.
1814 T. Jefferson Corr. (1830) 233 Not even the wife of his bosom.
1881 W. P. Lennox Plays, Players, & Playhouses I. 37 The woman he had taken to his bosom.
ΘΚΠ
the world > life > the body > sex organs > female sex organs > [noun] > womb
wombeOE
innethc888
bosom971
bitc1000
motherc1300
cloisterc1386
mawc1390
flanka1398
marisa1400
matricea1400
clausterc1400
mater?a1425
matrix?a1425
wamec1425
bellyc1440
oven?1510
bermother1527
child's bed1535
bairn-bedc1550
uterus1615
kelder1647
ventera1656
childbed1863
971 Blickl. Hom. 5 Heo onfeng on hire medmycclan bosm God Fæder Sunu.
c1200 Trin. Coll. Hom. 131 Of alle þe bernes, þe ben boren of wifes bosem.
1535 W. Stewart tr. H. Boethius Bk. Cron. Scotl. (1858) II. 411 Sonnis als of thair bosumis tha bair.
e. plural. A woman's breasts. colloquial.
ΘΚΠ
the world > life > the body > external parts of body > trunk > front > breast or breasts (of woman) > [noun]
titOE
breastOE
mammaOE
pysea1400
mamellec1450
dug1530
duckya1533
bag1579
pommela1586
mam1611
Milky Way1622
bubby?1660
udder1702
globea1727
fore-buttock1727
tetty1746
breastwork?1760
diddy1788
snows1803
sweets1817
titty1865
pappy1869
Charleys1874
bub1881
breastiec1900
ninny1909
pair1919
boobs1932
boobya1934
fun bag1938
maraca1940
knockers1941
can1946
mammaries1947
bazooms1955
jug1957
melon1957
bosoms1959
Bristols1961
chichi1961
nork1962
puppies1963
rack1968
knob1970
dingleberry1980
jubblies1991
1959 C. MacInnes Absolute Beginners 68 Snaps of the Dean sell like hot ice-cream among vintage women with too many bosoms and time on their hands.
1961 L. Hughes Ask your Mama 72 Sojourner..Bared her bosoms, bared in public To prove she was a woman.
1965 I. Fleming Man with Golden Gun v. 70 She gave him a quick glimpse of fine bosoms as she bent to the door of the icebox.
1978 C. Beaton Parting Years 2 Can you really imagine that is the way the arm comes out of the socket? Look at their bosoms—they're nowhere near where they should be. Have you ever seen a naked woman?
1986 Observer 2 Mar. 60/1 She was larger than lifesize: enormous buttocks and stomach, with two medium-sized watermelons for bosoms.
2. figurative. Applied to the surface of the sea, a lake, a river, or the ground: with various associations from the literal sense.
ΘΚΠ
the world > the earth > land > ground > [noun] > surface of
bosomOE
fielda1400
brim1572
surface1596
day1620
the world > the earth > water > body of water > [noun] > surface of
bosomOE
rima1400
brima1552
water plane1719
OE Andreas (1932) 444 Hwilum upp astod of brimes bosme on bates fæðm egesa ofer yðlid.
a1616 W. Shakespeare King John (1623) iv. i. 3 When I strike my foot Vpon the bosome of the ground. View more context for this quotation
1697 J. Dryden tr. Virgil Georgics iii, in tr. Virgil Wks. 112 [A river] which before Tall Ships of burthen, on its Bosom bore. View more context for this quotation
1750 G. Hughes Nat. Hist. Barbados 220 From the bosoms of some of the upper leaves rise small pedicles.
1816 G. S. Faber Origin Pagan Idolatry III. 11 A small island was consecrated in the bosom of a deep lake.
1837 W. Wordsworth Tour Italy Sonn. xxvi Tossed on the bosom of a stormy sea.
1873 W. Black Princess of Thule x. 160 The broad bosom of the stream.
3. transferred.
Thesaurus »
Categories »
a. The part of the dress which covers the breast; also the space included between the breast and its covering.
b. spec. Considered as the receptacle for money or letters, formerly answering to modern use of ‘pocket’.
c. to give (requite, etc.) into one's bosom (a Hebraism derived from the Bible).
ΘΚΠ
the mind > possession > giving > give [verb (transitive)]
forgivec900
giveOE
besetc1230
deala1250
i-yevec1275
to give (requite, etc.) into one's bosomc1386
yarka1400
wevec1400
yatec1400
administera1425
bequeathc1440
employa1492
exhibit1548
communicate1553
endue1587
cast1612
hand1650
to lay on1942
a1121 Anglo-Saxon Chron. (Laud) anno 1086 Mid his bosum full goldes.
a1325 (c1250) Gen. & Exod. (1968) l. 2809 In hise bosum he dede his hond.
c1386 G. Chaucer Canon's Yeoman's Prol. & Tale 565 This Chanon took out a Crosselet Of his bosom.
a1425 (c1395) Bible (Wycliffite, L.V.) (Royal) (1850) Luke vi. 38 Thei schulen ȝyue in to ȝoure bosum a good mesure.
1526 W. Bonde Pylgrimage of Perfection Pref. sig. Aii A singular iewel to bere in my bosom.
1574 J. Baret Aluearie B 879 To put money in ones bosome.
1684 J. Bunyan Pilgrim's Progress 2nd Pt. ii. 10 That thou put this Letter in thy Bosome. View more context for this quotation
1834 F. Marryat Peter Simple I. xii. 152 A large frill to his bosom.
d. The front of a shirt. U.S.
ΘΚΠ
the world > textiles and clothing > clothing > types or styles of clothing > clothing for body or trunk (and limbs) > [noun] > shirt > part of > front
shirt bosom1748
shirt front1826
front1843
bosom1863
1863 Horticulturist Dec. 4 Shirt and bosom makers.
1872 N.Y. Times 24 Apr. 8 (advt.) Shirts made to order, with beautifully embroidered Bosoms.
1903 N.Y. Tribune 27 Sept. The waiters did not wear..shirts with soiled bosoms.
1905 N.Y. Evening Post 26 May 12 Men's Unlaundered Shirts... Three-ply linen bosoms reinforced back and front.
1945 B. A. Botkin Lay My Burden Down 51 Please don't let my gal see under my coat, 'cause I got on a bosom and no shirt.
4. A curved recess; a cavity, hollow interior; a sinus. [Compare Latin sinus.] † a. The hull or the hold of a ship. Obsolete.† b. Physiology. The cavity of the stomach; one of the chambers of the heart; a recess or angle in which two bones meet. Obsolete.† c. A concave bend in a coastline, or the part of the sea embraced by it; a bay. Obsolete.
ΘΚΠ
society > travel > travel by water > vessel, ship, or boat > parts of vessels > body of vessel > bottom or part under water > [noun] > hold
bosomOE
hole1483
holl1488
howe1513
hold1591
OE Genesis 1306 Gescype scylfan on scipes bosme.
c1275 (?a1200) Laȝamon Brut (Calig.) (1963) l. 3914 Scipen gunnen helden. bosmes þer rendden water in wende.
ΘΚΠ
the world > life > the body > vascular system > heart > [noun] > ventricle or chamber
chambera1398
womba1398
ventriclec1400
bosom1578
creek1621
ventricule1742
ventriculus?1768
the world > life > the body > structural parts > bone or bones > parts of bones > [noun] > socket or cavity
pita1275
bosom1578
socket1601
pot1610
glenoid surface1712
lacuna1845
1578 J. Banister Hist. Man i. f. 29 The vj. [bone] is fastened to the angular bosome of the Postbrachiall bones.
1583 P. Barrough Methode of Phisicke iii. i. 80 The bosome of the stomach.
1662 J. Chandler tr. J. B. van Helmont Oriatrike 178 There is Hedge or Partition between both bosomes of the Heart.
ΘΚΠ
the world > the earth > land > land mass > shore or bank > bend in coast > [noun] > bay or gulf
bay1385
bosomc1400
gulfc1400
gouffre1477
break?1520
reach1526
bight1555
opening1576
sine1605
breach1611
cod1611
traversea1645
sinus1684
embayment1815
c1400 (?c1380) Patience l. 107 Þe blyþe breþe at her bak þe bosum he fyndes.
1533 J. Bellenden tr. Livy Hist. Rome (1822) i. 449 The bosum of the seyis, quhare the Venicianis dwellis.
1600 E. Fairfax tr. T. Tasso Godfrey of Bulloigne xix. viii. 338 Where into creekes and bosomes blinde A winding hill his corners turn'd and cast.
1685 N. Crouch Eng. Empire in Amer. iv. 70 They were..cast upon a bosom of the South Cape of Massachusets Bay.
d. poetic. The ‘belly’ or curvature of a sail before the wind. (Cf. bosom v. 1.)
ΘΚΠ
society > travel > travel by water > vessel, ship, or boat > equipment of vessel > masts, rigging, or sails > sail > [noun] > a bellying sail > belly of sail
bosom1872
1872 J. S. Blackie Lays of Highlands 7 A strong south-wester blowing Strained the bosom of their sail.
e. Mechanics. The recess or depression round the eye of a millstone; the ‘breast’ or curvature of a plough-share; also in Shipbuilding, the concave curvature of a frame.
ΘΚΠ
the world > food and drink > farming > tools and implements > ploughing equipment > [noun] > plough > ploughshare > parts of
foota1325
tuck-hole1805
bosom1807
plough point1837
shield1844
society > travel > travel by water > vessel, ship, or boat > parts of vessels > body of vessel > [noun] > timbers of hull > frame > curvature of a frame
bosom1869
1807 A. Young Gen. View Agric. Essex I. v. 134 This degree of roundness and fulness in the bosom [of a plough], is necessary on heavy land.
1869 E. J. Reed Shipbuilding viii. 149 The beam-plate is run into the bosom of the frame and rivetted to it.
5.
a. Expressing a local relation: The interior, the midst: sometimes a development of sense A. 4, but often with a reference to one of the senses ‘embrace’ ( A. 1b), ‘bosom of garment’ ( A. 3b), and ‘womb’ ( A. 1d).
ΘΚΠ
the world > space > relative position > condition of being internal > [noun] > inside or interior
bosom1489
belly1535
insidea1557
inward1609
interior1828
1489 W. Caxton tr. C. de Pisan Bk. Fayttes of Armes i. xxv. 79 Enuyrone thyn aduersaryes..wythin the bosom of thyn ooste.
1595 E. Spenser Colin Clouts come Home Againe sig. B3 Fishes..Which in the bosome of the billowes breed.
1663 R. Boyle Some Considerations Usefulnesse Exper. Nat. Philos. i. iv. 66 Quick~silver..will swallow up Gold, and hide it in its Bosom.
1849 F. W. Robertson Serm. (1866) 1st Ser. ii. 37 The seed lying in the genial bosom of the earth.
1861 ‘G. Eliot’ Silas Marner i. 1 Deep in the bosom of the hills.
b. figurative. in the bosom of one's family: in the privacy of the domestic circle (usually also implying family affection and confidence). in the bosom of a church (or other association): within the inner circle of its membership. And the like.
ΘΚΠ
society > faith > aspects of faith > religion > a religion or church > [adjective] > included in
in the bosom of a churcha1600
enchurcheda1658
society > society and the community > kinship or relationship > kinship group > family > in the privacy of one's family circle [phrase]
in the bosom of one's family1803
a1600 R. Hooker in Wks. (1845) I. 316 They which live within the bosom of that church.
1803 J. Porter Thaddeus of Warsaw (1831) i. 2 Within the bosom of his family.
1833 I. Taylor Fanaticism i. 13 In the bosom of the Church rests the hope of the conversion of the world.
1840 C. Thirlwall Hist. Greece VII. 173 The traitors whom Athens had..cast out from her bosom.
1873 J. Morley Rousseau I. 37 He was publicly received into the kindly bosom of the true church.
6. figurative. The breast considered as the seat of thoughts and feelings. Cf. heart n., int., and adv.
a. The repository of secret thoughts and counsels: hence used for ‘inward thoughts’ (quot. a1616). †to be of (a person's) bosom: to be entrusted with his secrets. friend of one's bosom: cf. bosom friend n.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > mental capacity > spirituality > mind, soul, spirit, heart > [noun] > breast as repository of secrets
bosom?c1225
the mind > mental capacity > thought > product of thinking, thought > [noun] > a thought, thoughts > hidden, inward
bosom1600
underthought1602
arrière-pensée1617
thought-word1844
the mind > mental capacity > knowledge > hiding, concealing from view > privacy > [noun] > inward or hidden thoughts, etc.
the bird in one's (also the) bosom1548
bosom1600
underthought1602
recess1605
arrière-pensée1617
sanctuary1642
the mind > mental capacity > knowledge > secrecy, concealment > operate secretly [verb (intransitive)] > share secret
to be of (a person's) bosom1608
to be in (rarely on) the secret1680
to be on the in1932
to be on the inside1932
the mind > emotion > love > friendliness > [noun] > friend > close or intimate friend
belamy?c1225
friarc1290
specialc1300
necessaryc1384
familiar?c1400
great frienda1425
gossea1549
particular1577
shopfellow?1577
cockmate1578
privado1584
bosom friend1590
better half1596
ingle1602
inward1607
bully boy1609
bosom-piecea1625
hail-fellow1650
bosom-bird1655
intimate1660
crony1665
intimado1682
chum1684
friend of one's bosom1712
right bower1829
inquaintancea1834
cad1836
chummy1849
bond-friend1860
raggie1901
bosom1913
aceboy1951
boon coon1951
mellow1967
squeeze1980
acegirl2009
?c1225 (?a1200) Ancrene Riwle (Cleo. C.vi) (1972) 118 Inmi bosum..is al Min hope ihalden.
a1382 Bible (Wycliffite, E.V.) (Douce 369(1)) (1850) Job xxxi. 33 If I..hilede in my bosum my wickenesse.
1600 W. Shakespeare Midsummer Night's Dream i. i. 216 Emptying our bosomes, of their counsell sweld.
1608 W. Shakespeare King Lear xix. 26 I know you are of her bosome . View more context for this quotation
a1616 W. Shakespeare Othello (1622) iii. i. 54 You shall haue time, To speake your bosome freely. View more context for this quotation
a1643 W. Cartwright Lady-errant iii. i, in Comedies (1651) sig. c We enterchange Bosoms, and Counsels, Thoughts and Souls.
1712 R. Steele Spectator No. 428. ⁋2 The man..is shunn'd to~day by the Friend of his Bosom.
1813 T. Jefferson Corr. (1830) 194 A confidential communication..deposited in his bosom, and never meant to trouble the public mind.
b. The seat of emotions, desires, etc.: hence used for ‘desire’ (quot. a16162).
ΘΚΠ
the mind > emotion > aspects of emotion > seat of the emotions > [noun] > breast or heart
breastOE
heartOE
bosomc1175
couragec1300
chest1590
petto1679
the mind > will > wish or inclination > desire > [noun]
i-willc888
wilningc888
willingeOE
lustc950
listc1220
desire1303
affection1340
desiring1377
appetite1382
envya1400
wishc1430
desideryc1450
stomach1513
affect1531
wilnec1540
desirefulness1548
woulding1549
desirousness1571
ambition1579
lusting1580
listing1587
maw1601
appetition1603
appetence1610
bosoma1616
orexis1619
desirableness1649
appetency1656
would1753
wanting1801
want-to1903
c1175 Lamb. Hom. 105 Wreððe hafð wununge on þes dusian bosme.
a1616 W. Shakespeare King John (1623) iv. i. 32 His words do take possession of my bosome . View more context for this quotation
a1616 W. Shakespeare Measure for Measure (1623) iv. iii. 131 You shal haue your bosome on this wretch. View more context for this quotation
1625 F. Bacon Ess. (new ed.) sig. Aiiiv They come home, to Mens Businesse and Bosomes.
1765 O. Goldsmith Traveller (ed. 2) 19 Far from my bosom drive the low desire.
1818 Gentleman's Mag. 88 ii. 153 The cause comes home to the bosom of every man under the British Government.
1842 Ld. Tennyson Amphion in Poems (new ed.) II. 170 I will not vex my bosom.
a. Transferred to a person. (Cf. the similar use of hand, heart, head, etc. for their possessor.)
ΘΚΠ
the world > people > person > [noun]
hadc900
lifesmaneOE
maneOE
world-maneOE
ghostOE
wyeOE
lifeOE
son of manOE
wightc1175
soulc1180
earthmanc1225
foodc1225
person?c1225
creaturec1300
bodyc1325
beera1382
poppetc1390
flippera1400
wat1399
corsec1400
mortal?a1425
deadly?c1450
hec1450
personagec1485
wretcha1500
human1509
mundane1509
member1525
worma1556
homo1561
piece of flesh1567
sconce1567
squirrel?1567
fellow creature1572
Adamite1581
bloat herringa1586
earthling1593
mother's child1594
stuff1598
a piece of flesh1600
wagtail1607
bosom1608
fragment1609
boots1623
tick1631
worthy1649
earthlies1651
snap1653
pippin1665
being1666
personal1678
personality1678
sooterkin1680
party1686
worldling1687
human being1694
water-wagtail1694
noddle1705
human subject1712
piece of work1713
somebody1724
terrestrial1726
anybody1733
individual1742
character1773
cuss1775
jig1781
thingy1787
bod1788
curse1790
his nabs1790
article1796
Earthite1814
critter1815
potato1815
personeityc1816
nibs1821
somebody1826
tellurian1828
case1832
tangata1840
prawn1845
nigger1848
nut1856
Snooks1860
mug1865
outfit1867
to deliver the goods1870
hairpin1879
baby1880
possum1894
hot tamale1895
babe1900
jobbie1902
virile1903
cup of tea1908
skin1914
pisser1918
number1919
job1927
apple1928
mush1936
face1944
jong1956
naked ape1965
oke1970
punter1975
1608 T. Middleton Mad World, my Masters ii. sig. B4v Ile pawne my credit for him, an honest trusty bosome.
a1616 W. Shakespeare Henry V (1623) ii. 0. 21 A nest of hollow bosomes . View more context for this quotation
1651 Bp. J. Taylor Rule of Holy Living (1727) 249 He is the proper object and bosom to whom the restitution is to be made.
1756 C. Lucas Ess. Waters ii. 198 Inscribed to a Bosom fraught with every Social Virtue.
b. elliptical for bosom friend n.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > emotion > love > friendliness > [noun] > friend > close or intimate friend
belamy?c1225
friarc1290
specialc1300
necessaryc1384
familiar?c1400
great frienda1425
gossea1549
particular1577
shopfellow?1577
cockmate1578
privado1584
bosom friend1590
better half1596
ingle1602
inward1607
bully boy1609
bosom-piecea1625
hail-fellow1650
bosom-bird1655
intimate1660
crony1665
intimado1682
chum1684
friend of one's bosom1712
right bower1829
inquaintancea1834
cad1836
chummy1849
bond-friend1860
raggie1901
bosom1913
aceboy1951
boon coon1951
mellow1967
squeeze1980
acegirl2009
1913 A. M. N. Lyons Simple Simon i. vi. 90 He's a darling. He and me are bosoms.
1959 B. Ruck Romantic Afterthought xxvii. 138 I don't go in for buddies and ‘bosoms’.
B. adj.
Private, confidential, intimate.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > mental capacity > knowledge > hiding, concealing from view > privacy > [adjective] > innermost
inmostc897
innerc900
privyc1300
intrinsic1490
interior1548
intrinsical1548
inward1548
secret1548
retired1596
in-pent1613
bosom1640
sneaking1748
interior1775
inside1888
1640 W. Habington Hist. Edward IV 224 Lewys freeing himselfe from so bosome an enemie by poysoning Charles.
1648 E. Symmons Vindic. King Charles (new ed.) 307 He tells her in his most bosom expressions, that, etc.
Compounds
C1. General relations, chiefly attributive:
a. Worn upon or carried in the bosom.
bosom-book n.
ΘΚΠ
society > communication > book > kind of book > [noun] > book carried in bosom
bosom-book1617
1617 Janua Linguarum Advt. (ad fin.) If not as a manuall or pocket-booke, yet a pectorall or bosome-booke, to be carried twixt jerkin and doublet.
bosom-brooch n.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > attention and judgement > beautification > types of ornamentation > jewellery > brooch or pin > [noun] > other brooches
breast brooch1625
breastpin1779
mourning pin1822
bosom-brooch1835
witch brooch1871
mantle-knot1896
fáinne1919
1835 N. Hawthorne Amer. Note-bks. (1871) I. 7 The bar-keeper had one of Benton's mint-drops for a bosom-brooch.
bosom-pin n.
bosom-vesture n.
ΘΚΠ
the world > textiles and clothing > clothing > types or styles of clothing > clothing for body or trunk (and limbs) > [noun] > clothing for chest or breast
nycette1499
bib1687
bosom-vesture1834
bust costume1896
1834 T. Carlyle Sartor Resartus ii. v, in Fraser's Mag. Mar. 303/2 The bosom-vesture of Summer.
b. Pertaining to the bosom as the seat of thoughts and feelings.
bosom-balm n.
bosom-broil n.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > emotion > suffering > state of being upset or perturbed > [noun]
stirringc888
maleasea1300
uneasea1300
diseasec1330
perturbationa1382
unrestfulnessc1384
disturbancea1387
unroc1390
distroublancea1400
perturbancec1425
unquietnessc1460
inquietation1461
conturbationc1470
unheart's-ease1470
distroubling1487
wanease15..
inquietness?1504
unrufe1508
sturt1513
pertroublancea1522
inquieting1527
unquieting1548
turmoiling1550
unquiet1551
agitation?1555
storm1569
wanrest1570
discountenance1577
float1579
disquiet1581
brangling1584
diseasefulnessa1586
restlessness1597
hurry1600
disturbancy1603
disquietment1606
disordera1616
laruma1616
uneasinessa1616
diseasementa1617
discomposture1622
discomposition1624
whirr1628
discomposednessa1631
discomposure1632
pother1638
incomposedness1653
inquietude1658
uneasefulness1661
toss1666
disquietednessa1680
intranquillitya1699
disquietude1709
bosom-broil1742
discomfort1779
rufflement1806
feeze1825
uncomfortableness1828
discomforture1832
astasia1839
dysphoria1842
purr1842
peacelessness1852
palaver1899
perturbment1901
heebie-jeebies1923
wahala1966
agita1979
1742 E. Young Complaint: Night the Second 14 Our Thoughts at Enmity; our bosom-broil.
bosom-comfort n.
bosom-devil n.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > emotion > suffering > mental anguish or torment > cause of mental anguish or torment > [noun]
roodOE
thornc1230
prickc1384
rack?a1425
travailerc1450
goading1548
twinge1548
goad1553
tormentor1553
cut1568
stingera1577
butcher1579
torture1612
bosom-devil1651
wound1844
knife-edge1876
nemesis1933
1651 Bp. J. Hall Susurrium cum Deo lxi. 223 Guiltinesse..like a bosome-Devill, it would ever torture it selfe.
bosom-hell n.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > emotion > suffering > mental anguish or torment > [noun]
tintreghc893
threat971
piningOE
murderOE
anguish?c1225
woea1250
pinec1275
tormentc1290
languorc1300
heartbreakc1330
surcarkingc1330
martyrement1340
threst1340
agonyc1384
martyrdomc1384
tormentryc1386
martyre?a1400
tormentisec1405
rack?a1425
anguishing1433
angorc1450
anguishnessa1475
torture?c1550
heartsickness1556
butchery1582
heartache1587
anguishment1592
living hell1596
discruciation1597
heart-aching1607
throeing1615
rigour1632
crucifixion1648
lancination1649
bosom-hell1674
heart-rending1707
brain-racking1708
tormentation1789
bosom-throe1827
angoisse1910
1674 T. Flatman Against Thoughts 7/4 These anguishes, this bosome-Hell.
bosom-peace n.
bosom-prophecy n.
bosom secret n.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > mental capacity > knowledge > secrecy, concealment > [noun] > something concealed, a secret > deep, personal
mystery1529
the secrets of the (one's) heart1535
bosom secret1659
1659 T. Flatman Dooms-day Thought 66 When..Conscience..all our bosom-secrets breaks.
bosom-throe n.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > emotion > suffering > mental anguish or torment > [noun]
tintreghc893
threat971
piningOE
murderOE
anguish?c1225
woea1250
pinec1275
tormentc1290
languorc1300
heartbreakc1330
surcarkingc1330
martyrement1340
threst1340
agonyc1384
martyrdomc1384
tormentryc1386
martyre?a1400
tormentisec1405
rack?a1425
anguishing1433
angorc1450
anguishnessa1475
torture?c1550
heartsickness1556
butchery1582
heartache1587
anguishment1592
living hell1596
discruciation1597
heart-aching1607
throeing1615
rigour1632
crucifixion1648
lancination1649
bosom-hell1674
heart-rending1707
brain-racking1708
tormentation1789
bosom-throe1827
angoisse1910
1827 T. Hood Hero & Leander xvii, in Plea Midsummer Fairies & Other Poems 74 The agony and bosom-throe.
c. Cherished in the bosom: hence usually = dear, beloved, ‘darling’.
bosom adder n.
ΚΠ
1862 E. M. Goulburn Thoughts Personal Relig. 179 The bosom-adder of vanity.
Thesaurus »
bosom-child n.
bosom-sin n.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > goodness and badness > wrongdoing > sinfulness > sinful deed > [noun] > favourite
bosom-sin1627
society > morality > moral evil > wrong conduct > evildoing or wrongdoing > [noun] > an evil deed > an evil deed, fault, or offence > favourite
bosom-sin1627
1627 R. Sanderson Ten Serm. 299 Farre off from medling with his bosome-sinne.
1740 J. Wesley Wks. (1872) XIV. 327 Their bosom sins, or the sins which did most easily beset them.
bosom-son n.
ΚΠ
1641 W. Vaughan Sovles Exercise ii. 51 The Fathers Word then, and his bosome Sonne, By whom, & for whose sake all things were done.
bosom-vanity n.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > emotion > pride > self-esteem > vanity > [noun] > source of
bosom-vanity1678
vanity1856
1678 Young Man's Calling 143 Turn away your eyes from bosome vanities.
bosom-vice n.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > goodness and badness > wrongdoing > corruption > instance of corruption > [noun] > favourite
bosom-vice1705
society > morality > moral evil > wrong conduct > [noun] > immoral conduct or habits > a vice or bad habit > favourite vice
bosom-vice1705
1705 G. Stanhope Paraphr. III. 61 If..some One darling Bosom-vice be left unmortified.
bosom-wickedness n.
d. Intimate, confidential.
bosom-communion n.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > emotion > love > friendliness > [noun] > friendship > intimate or confidential communion
bosom-communiona1680
a1680 T. Goodwin Wks. (1692) III. i. 612 How canst thou think God should..take thee into..immediate Bosom-communion with himself?
bosom-counsel n.
bosom enemy n.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > emotion > hatred > enemy > [noun] > deadly enemy > particular enemy
dearest friend1598
bosom enemy1619
bosom foe1860
1619 Bp. J. King Serm. 19 Did he then thinke..of a bosome enemie?
bosom foe n.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > emotion > hatred > enemy > [noun] > deadly enemy > particular enemy
dearest friend1598
bosom enemy1619
bosom foe1860
1860 C. Patmore Faithful for Ever 89 Take no wife Who to your stooping feels she owes Her name; such debts make bosom-foes.
bosom-friendship n.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > emotion > love > friendliness > [noun] > friendship > intimate friendship
bosom-friendship1742
meaningful relationship1944
1742 E. Young Complaint: Night the First 16 Like bosom friendships to resentment sour'd.
bosom-interest n.
bosom-lover n.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > emotion > love > a lover > [noun] > faithful lover or sweetheart
true lovec1425
Romeo?1566
bosom-lover1600
1600 W. Shakespeare Merchant of Venice iii. iv. 17 Anthonio..the bosome louer of my Lord.
e. Locative with participle or participial adjective. (Other examples in sense Compounds 2).† bosom-folded adj. Obsolete
ΚΠ
a1644 F. Quarles Solomons Recantation (1645) Eccles. iv. 5 With yauning lips, and bosome-folded hands.
bosom-reigning adj.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > emotion > love > [adjective] > that reigns in the bosom
bosom-reigninga1628
a1628 J. Preston Mount Ebal (1638) 32 We must confesse our beloved bosome-raigning sinnes.
bosom-stricken adj.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > emotion > suffering > mental anguish or torment > broken-heartedness > [adjective] > broken-hearted
broken-hearted1526
heartbroken1572
heartsore1597
heartstruck1615
heartbroke1621
bosom-stricken1859
1859 R. C. Singleton tr. Virgil Aeneid xi, in tr. Virgil Wks. II. 474 The bosom-stricken dames their woman's shout Raise to the stars of heaven.
C2. Special combinations.† bosom-bird n. figurative Obsolete a bosom friend. † bosom-mischief n. Obsolete ? the root of the mischief.† bosom-partner n. Obsolete a wife.† bosom-piece n. Obsolete ? a piece of attire covering the bosom; figurative a bosom friend.† bosom-sermon n. Obsolete one learnt by heart and recited.† bosom-slave n. Obsolete a concubine.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > emotion > love > friendliness > [noun] > friend > close or intimate friend
belamy?c1225
friarc1290
specialc1300
necessaryc1384
familiar?c1400
great frienda1425
gossea1549
particular1577
shopfellow?1577
cockmate1578
privado1584
bosom friend1590
better half1596
ingle1602
inward1607
bully boy1609
bosom-piecea1625
hail-fellow1650
bosom-bird1655
intimate1660
crony1665
intimado1682
chum1684
friend of one's bosom1712
right bower1829
inquaintancea1834
cad1836
chummy1849
bond-friend1860
raggie1901
bosom1913
aceboy1951
boon coon1951
mellow1967
squeeze1980
acegirl2009
1655 J. Trapp Marrow Good Authors (1868) 836/2 One of his bosom-birds, Porphyry.
bosom-deep adj. (and adv.) up to the bosom (cf. ankle-deep at deep adj. 2a).
ΘΚΠ
the world > life > the body > part of body > [adverb] > as measure of height
upc897
ankle-high1681
bosom-deep1882
1882 D. G. Rossetti Rose Mary iii. vi She had waded bosom-deep Along death's bank in the sedge of sleep.
bosom-felt adj. = heartfelt adj.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > emotion > intense emotion > [adjective]
inmostc897
inlyeOE
mucha1200
deepa1400
inwardc1402
quickc1449
piercingc1450
sharpc1480
profound1526
feeling1531
visceral1575
infelta1586
hearty?1614
hearteda1616
home-felt1637
exquisitea1656
deep-rooted1669
intimate1671
exalted1704
bosom-felt1771
pathologic1891
bone deep1900
1771 Smollett in Anderson Brit. Poets (1795) X. 959/2 His bosom-felt wo.
bosom-hung adj. hanging down upon the bosom.
Categories »
bosom-knee n. ‘a knee secured to a vessel's side and the after side of a deck-beam; also called lap-knee’ (Cent. Dict. Suppl. 1909).
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > harm or detriment > [noun] > root cause
bosom-mischiefa1662
the mind > goodness and badness > harmfulness > harmful mischievousness > harmful mischief > [noun] > cause of
mischief1586
bosom-mischiefa1662
a1662 P. Heylyn Cyprianus Anglicus (1668) i. 161 Eunomius, the bosom-mischief of those times.
ΘΚΠ
society > society and the community > kinship or relationship > marriage or wedlock > married person > married woman > [noun] > wife
wifeeOE
womanc1275
peerc1330
spousessc1384
ladyc1390
good lady1502
girl?a1513
spousage1513
little lady1523
the weaker vessel1526
companion1535
wedlock1566
Mrs1572
dame1574
rib?1590
feme1595
fathom1602
feme covert1602
shrew1606
wife of one's bosom1611
kickie-wickiea1616
heifer1616
sposa1624
bosom-partner1633
goodwife1654
little woman1715
squaw1767
the Mrs1821
missus1823
maw1826
lady wife1840
tart1864
mistress1873
mama1916
ball and chain1921
trouble and strife1929
old boot1958
1633 J. Ford Loves Sacrifice i. sig. B3v The bosome-partner of my Lord.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > emotion > love > friendliness > [noun] > friend > close or intimate friend
belamy?c1225
friarc1290
specialc1300
necessaryc1384
familiar?c1400
great frienda1425
gossea1549
particular1577
shopfellow?1577
cockmate1578
privado1584
bosom friend1590
better half1596
ingle1602
inward1607
bully boy1609
bosom-piecea1625
hail-fellow1650
bosom-bird1655
intimate1660
crony1665
intimado1682
chum1684
friend of one's bosom1712
right bower1829
inquaintancea1834
cad1836
chummy1849
bond-friend1860
raggie1901
bosom1913
aceboy1951
boon coon1951
mellow1967
squeeze1980
acegirl2009
a1625 J. Fletcher Valentinian ii. iii, in F. Beaumont & J. Fletcher Comedies & Trag. (1647) sig. Aaaaaaa4/2 Was I your bosome peece for this?
ΘΚΠ
society > faith > worship > preaching > [noun] > instance of > recited by heart
bosom-sermon1594
repetition sermon1624
1594 R. Carew tr. J. Huarte Exam. Mens Wits x. 146 Which these cannot bring about who haue conned bosome sermons.
ΘΚΠ
society > morality > moral evil > licentiousness > unchastity > [noun] > illicit intimacy > person > a mistress
chevesea700
wifeOE
bed-sister1297
concubine1297
leman1297
file1303
speciala1400
womanc1400
chamberer?a1425
mistress?a1439
cousin1470
doxy?1515
doll1560
pinnacea1568
nobsya1575
lier-by1583
sweetheart1589
she-friend1600
miss1606
underput1607
concupy1609
lig-by1610
factoress1611
leveret1617
night-piece1621
belly-piece1632
dolly1648
lie-bya1656
madamc1660
small girl1671
natural1674
convenient1676
lady of the lake1678
pure1688
tackle1688
sultana1703
kind girl1712
bosom-slave1728
pop1785
chère amie1792
fancy-woman1819
hetaera1820
fancy-piece1821
poplolly1821
secondary wife1847
other woman1855
fancy-girl1892
querida1902
wifelet1983
1728 J. Thomson Spring 56 Let Eastern Tyrants from the Light of Heaven Seclude their Bosom-slaves.
bosom-staff n. an instrument used in testing the straightness of the faces of millstones (see A. 4e).
This entry has not yet been fully updated (first published 1887; most recently modified version published online June 2022).
bosomv.
/ˈbʊzəm/ΘΚΠ
society > travel > travel by water > vessel, ship, or boat > equipment of vessel > masts, rigging, or sails > sail > [verb (intransitive)] > swell or belly
bosoma1525
bunt1681
a1525 (a1500) Sc. Troy Bk. (Douce) l. 1699 in C. Horstmann Barbour's Legendensammlung (1882) II. 275 Thai..halit wp þare salis hie, That bowsummit with þe wyndis blast.
2. transitive. To put into the bosom.
ΘΚΠ
the world > space > place > placing or fact of being placed in (a) position > insertion or putting in > insert or put in [verb (transitive)] > into the bosom
bosom1605
re-embosom1878
1605 J. Sylvester tr. G. de S. Du Bartas Deuine Weekes & Wks. i. vii. 236 Bosoming his hand.
1819 ‘B. Cornwall’ Dramatic Scenes & Other Poems i I like to see you bosom them [violets].
3. † b. intransitive. To have familiar intercourse. Obsolete. rare.
a. transitive. To take to the bosom, embrace; figurative to receive into intimate companionship.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > emotion > love > embrace > [verb (transitive)]
clipc950
freeOE
beclipc1000
windc1175
fang?c1200
yokec1275
umgripea1300
to take in (also into, on) one's armsc1300
umbefold14..
collc1320
lapc1350
bracec1375
embracec1386
clapa1400
folda1400
halsea1400
umbeclapa1400
accollc1400
fathomc1400
halchc1400
haspc1400
hoderc1440
plighta1450
plet?a1500
cuddlec1520
complect1523
umbfoldc1540
clasp1549
culla1564
cully1576
huggle1583
embosom1590
wrap1594
collya1600
cling1607
bosom1608
grasp1609
comply1648
huddlea1650
smuggle1679
inarm1713
snuggle1775
cwtch1965
the mind > emotion > love > friendliness > make friends with [verb (transitive)] > accept (a person) as a friend > receive into intimate companionship
bosom1608
1608 W. Shakespeare King Lear xxii. 14 I am doubtfull that you haue beene coniunct and bosom'd with hir. View more context for this quotation
1633 J. Ford Broken Heart iv. i. sig. G3v Ixion, ayming To embrace Iuno, bosom'd but a cloud.
1634 T. Heywood Maidenhead Lost i, in Wks. (1874) IV. 106 A Prince hath bin repulst, and meanest persons Bosom'd.
1834 E. Elliott Poems II. 1 He has long been bosomed with me.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > emotion > love > friendliness > be friendly [verb (intransitive)] > hold familiar intercourse
converse1598
bosom1633
hob or nob1756
hob-nob1828
1633 J. Ford Loves Sacrifice iv. sig. I You were wont to bosome in his Counsailes.
1637 T. Heywood Dial. ii. 121 She..Doth with this Monster bosome, drinke, and eat.
4. transferred and figurative. To carry or enclose in the bosom; to embosom.
ΘΚΠ
the world > space > relative position > condition of being external > enclosing or enclosure > enclose [verb (transitive)]
beloukOE
pind?c1225
closec1275
beshuta1300
to shut about13..
umbclosec1330
to close about1340
aclosec1350
in close1393
enclose?a1400
tinec1400
concludea1425
includec1425
wallc1430
underclosec1440
inclusea1450
hedgec1500
lista1513
inrail1523
interclude1524
fence1535
parclose1535
riba1547
pale1570
impale1579
embay1582
immure1583
upclosec1590
enchase1591
interclose1592
recinct1598
underfong1599
intermure1606
bound1609
engirt1627
bosom1637
infence1652
cancellate1664
circumclude1677
embosomc1750
comprehend1807
1637 J. Milton Comus 13 The sweet peace that goodnesse bosoms ever.
1645 J. Milton L'Allegro in Poems 33 Towers, and Battlements..Boosom'd high in tufted Trees.
1792 W. Wordsworth Descr. Sketches in Poet. Wks. I. 72 Como, bosomed deep in chestnut groves.
1817 Ld. Byron Manfred i. i. 115 Space bosom'd not a lovelier star.
5. figurative. To hide (a secret) in the bosom; to take to heart, keep in mind. Also with up.
ΚΠ
1606 J. Day Ile of Guls sig. B4 Ile bosome what I thinke.
1623 W. Shakespeare & J. Fletcher Henry VIII i. i. 112 Bosome vp my counsell. View more context for this quotation
1839 P. J. Bailey Festus 167 Be mine, dear maid, the loves, and thou Shalt ever bosom them as now.
ΚΠ
1631 T. Heywood Fair Maid of West: 1st Pt. iii. 30 I bosom'd him at every second thrust.
This entry has not yet been fully updated (first published 1887; most recently modified version published online September 2019).
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n.adj.971
v.a1525