Meaning and Origin
What does the name Boss mean? Keep reading to find the user submitted meanings, dictionary definitions, and more.
Origin and Meaning of Boss
User Submitted Origins
English
60%
Dutch
33%
Irish
7%
International Interest
Also see international interest
Webster's Unabridged Dictionary
noun Boss
Senses
- 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.
Etymology: Cf. D. bus box, Dan. bösse
- [Mech]
- The enlarged part of a shaft, on which a wheel is keyed, or at the end, where it is coupled to another.
- A swage or die used for shaping metals.
- The enlarged part of a shaft, on which a wheel is keyed, or at the end, where it is coupled to another.
- A head or reservoir of water.(Obs)
Etymology: OE. boce bose boche, OF. boce boche bosse, F. bosse, of G. origin; cf. OHG. bōzo tuft, bunch, OHG. bōzan, MHG. bôzen, to beat. See Beat, and cf. Botch a swelling
verb Boss
To ornament with bosses; to stud.
Etymology: OE. bocen, fr. OF. bocier. See the preceding word
noun Boss
A master workman or superintendent; a director or manager; a political dictator.
Etymology: D. baas master
Other Dictionary Sources
- A circular rounded projection or protuberance
- A person responsible for hiring workers ("the boss hired three more men for the new job")
- A person who exercises control and makes decisions ("he is his own boss now")
- A person who exercises control over workers
- A leader in a political party who controls votes and dictates appointments ("party bosses have a reputation for corruption")
- Raise in a relief ("embossed stationery")
- Exceptionally good ("a boss hand at carpentry")
Wiktionary
Borrowed from English boss.
- boss (person in charge, supervisor)
- (video games) boss