1. (n.) Any protuberant part; a round, swelling part or body; a knoblike process; as, a boss of wood.

2. (n.) 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.

3. (n.) A projecting ornament placed at the intersection of the ribs of ceilings, whether vaulted or flat, and in other situations.

4. (n.) 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. (n.) The enlarged part of a shaft, on which a wheel is keyed, or at the end, where it is coupled to another.

6. (n.) A swage or die used for shaping metals.

7. (n.) A head or reservoir of water.

8. (v. t.) To ornament with bosses; to stud.

9. (n.) A master workman or superintendent; a director or manager; a political dictator.

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