— backboned , adj. — backboneless , adj.
/bak"bohn'/ , n.
1. Anat. the spinal column; spine.
2. strength of character; resolution.
3. something resembling a backbone in appearance, position, or function.
4. Bookbinding. a back or bound edge of a book; spine.
5. Naut. a rope running along the middle of an awning, as a reinforcement and as an object to which a supporting bridle or crowfoot may be attached.
6. Naval Archit. the central fore-and-aft assembly of the keel and keelson, giving longitudinal strength to the bottom of a vessel.
[ 1250-1300; ME bacbon. See BACK 1 , BONE 1 ]
Syn. 2. firmness, decision, fortitude.