What is "shoulder knot"

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.