saddle

saddle [sad′'l]

n.

[ME sadel < OE sadol, akin to Ger sattel < Gmc * sathula, via ? OSlav * sedulo- < IE base * sed-, to SIT]

1. a seat for a rider on a horse, bicycle, etc., usually padded and of leather, and generally straddled in riding

2. a padded part of a harness worn over a horse's back to hold the shafts

3. the part of an animal's back where a saddle is placed

4. anything suggesting a saddle, as in form, placement, etc.

5. a ridge between two peaks or summits

6.

a) a cut of lamb, venison, etc., including part of the backbone and the two loins

b) the rear part of the back of a fowl

vt.

saddled, saddling

1. to put a saddle upon

2. to load or encumber, as with a burden

3. to impose as a burden, obligation, etc.

vi.

to put a saddle on a horse and mount it: often with up

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in the saddle

1. seated on a saddle

2. in a position of control