boss

boss

☆ boss¹ [bôs, bäs ]

n.

[Du baas, a master < MDu < ?]

1. a person in authority over employees, as an employer, a manager, or a foreman

2. a person who controls a political machine or organization, as in a county: often political boss

vt.

1. to act as boss of

2. Informal to order (a person) about; act bossy with

adj.

1. Informal chief

2. Slang excellent; fine

boss² [bôs, bäs]

n.

[ME & OFr boce (Fr bosse), a hump, swelling, akin to It boccia, ball, bud]

1. a raised part or protruding ornament on a flat surface; a decorative knob, stud, etc.

2. Archit. an ornamental projecting piece, as at the intersection of the ribs of an arched roof

3. Geol. an exposed mass of intrusive igneous rock

4. Mech. the enlarged part of a shaft

vt.

to decorate with raised ornaments, metal studs, etc.

boss³ [bäs, bôs]

n.

[< ?]

pet term for COW¹