boss Definition

boss¹
noun bosses

colloq:
1. A person who employs others, or who is in charge of others; a leader, master or manager.

Thesaurus: administrator, foreman, manager, executive, supervisor, superintendent, director, honcho (US slang).
(especially US)
2. The person who pulls the wires in political intrigues.

verb bosses, bossed, bossing

colloq:
1. To give them orders in a domineering way

Form: boss someone about (especially)
Form: boss someone around
2. To manage or control someone.

adj

(US)
1. slang
Excellent; great.
2. Said of a person: chief.

Etymology: 17c, originally US: from Dutch baas master.

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boss²
noun bosses

1. A round raised knob or stud on a shield, etc, usually for decoration.
2. archit.
A round raised decorative knob found where the ribs meet in a vaulted ceiling.
3. mech.
A thickened part of a shaft, to allow the attachment of other parts, or for strengthening.

verb

bosses, bossed, bossing
1. To ornament something with bosses.

Derivative: bossed
adj

Embossed, or ornamented with bosses.

Etymology: 14c: from French boce.