What is "shoulder belt"

Shoulder \Shoul"der\, n. [OE. shulder, shuldre, schutder, AS. sculdor; akin to D. schoulder, G. schulter, OHG. scultarra, Dan. skulder, Sw. skuldra.]

1. (Anat.) The joint, or the region of the joint, by which the fore limb is connected with the body or with the shoulder girdle; the projection formed by the bones and muscles about that joint.

2. The flesh and muscles connected with the shoulder joint; the upper part of the back; that part of the human frame on which it is most easy to carry a heavy burden; -- often used in the plural.

   Then by main force pulled up, and on his shoulders bore The gates of Azza.
   --Milton.

   Adown her shoulders fell her length of hair.
   --Dryden.

3. Fig.: That which supports or sustains; support.

   In thy shoulder do I build my seat.
   --Shak.

4. That which resembles a human shoulder, as any protuberance or projection from the body of a thing.

   The north western shoulder of the mountain.
   --Sir W. Scott.

5. The upper joint of the fore leg and adjacent parts of an animal, dressed for market; as, a shoulder of mutton.

6. (Fort.) The angle of a bastion included between the face and flank. See Illust. of Bastion.

7. An abrupt projection which forms an abutment on an object, or limits motion, etc., as the projection around a tenon at the end of a piece of timber, the part of the top of a type which projects beyond the base of the raised character, etc.

   Shoulder belt, a belt that passes across the shoulder.

   Shoulder blade (Anat.), the flat bone of the shoulder, to which the humerus is articulated; the scapula.

   Shoulder block (Naut.), a block with a projection, or shoulder, near the upper end, so that it can rest against a spar without jamming the rope.

   Shoulder clapper, one who claps another on the shoulder, or who uses great familiarity. [Obs.]
   --Shak.

   Shoulder girdle. (Anat.) See Pectoral girdle, under Pectoral.

   Shoulder knot, an ornamental knot of ribbon or lace worn on the shoulder; a kind of epaulet or braided ornament worn as part of a military uniform.

   Shoulder-of-mutton sail (Naut.), a triangular sail carried on a boat's mast; -- so called from its shape.

   Shoulder slip, dislocation of the shoulder, or of the humerous.
   --Swift.

   Shoulder strap, a strap worn on or over the shoulder. Specifically (Mil. & Naval), a narrow strap worn on the shoulder of a commissioned officer, indicating, by a suitable device, the rank he holds in the service. See Illust. in App.

In military uniforms, a shoulder belt is a wide belt worn usually over the shoulder and across the body. With nearly all line infantry, skirmishers, light infantry, grenadiers and guard regiments, two shoulder belts were worn - one carrying the cartridge box, and another for the bayonet, a sword ("sword belt" was also the term in this case), or other military equipment.

A shoulder belt was worn in various configurations, depending on army and rank. For example, an officer may have only worn one shoulder belt as appropriate for only having a pistol. A light horseman may have also worn one shoulder belt, for their cartridge pouch.

Initially shoulder belts had buckles. In the second half of the 18th century the British army replaced buckles with shoulder belt plates. The latter ones were solid metal plates fixed with two studs to one end of the belt and used a hook to pass through one of several holes by the other end. This arrangement allowed for quick readjustment and a more neat appearance. Officers used to wear fancy gold and silver plates with elaborate engravings. Soldiers wore brass plates, usually with numerical or other design indicative of their regiment.

Shoulder belt may refer to:

• Shoulder harness, a seat belt
• Shoulder belt (military)
• Sash
• Baldric