boss

I

[[t]bɔs, bɒs[/t]]

n.

1) a person who employs or superintends workers; foreperson or manager

2) gov a politician who controls the party organization

3) a person who makes decisions, exercises authority, etc

4) to be master of or over; direct; control

5) to order about, esp. in an arrogant manner

6) to be boss

7) to be too domineering and authoritative

8) chief; master

9) sts Slang. first-rate

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Etymology: 1640–50, amer.; < D baas master, foreman II

boss

[[t]bɔs, bɒs[/t]] n.

1) zool. bot a knoblike mass on the body or on some organ of an animal or plant

2) an ornamental protuberance of metal, ivory, etc.; stud

3) archit. an ornamental, knoblike architectural projection

4) archit. to ornament with bosses

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Etymology: 1250–1300; ME boce < AF: lump, growth, boil; OF < VL *bottia III

boss

[[t]bɒs, bɔs[/t]] n.

a familiar name for a calf or cow

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Etymology: 1790–1800, amer.; cf. dial. (SW England) borse, boss, buss six-month-old calf