/bair"ing/ , n.
1. the manner in which one conducts or carries oneself, including posture and gestures: a man of dignified bearing.
2. the act, capability, or period of producing or bringing forth: a tree past bearing.
3. something that is produced; a crop.
4. the act of enduring or capacity to endure.
5. reference or relation (usually fol. by on ): It has some bearing on the problem.
6. Archit.
a. a supporting part of a structure.
b. the area of contact between a bearing member, as a beam, and a pier, wall, or other underlying support.
7. Mach. the support and guide for a rotating, oscillating, or sliding shaft, pivot, or wheel.
8. Often, bearings . direction or relative position: The pilot radioed his bearings.
9. Survey. a horizontal direction expressed in degrees east or west of a true or magnetic north or south direction.
10. Heraldry. any single device on an escutcheon; charge.
[ 1200-50; ME beryng. See BEAR 1 , -ING 1 ]
Syn. 1. carriage, mien, demeanor, behavior, conduct. See manner 1 . 5. connection, dependency; application. 8. course, aim.