addorsed

adjective

ad·​dorsed
ə-ˈdȯrst
variants or less commonly addossed
ə-ˈdäst,
-ˈdȯst
: set or turned back to back (as in heraldry)

Word History

Etymology

modification of French adossé, past participle of adosser to turn the back, set on one's back, from a- (from Latin ad-) + dos back, from Latin dorsum

First Known Use

1572, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of addorsed was in 1572

The Ultimate Dictionary Awaits

Expand your vocabulary and dive deeper into language with Merriam-Webster Unabridged.

  1. Expanded definitions
  2. Detailed etymologies
  3. Advanced search tools
  4. All ad-free

Discover what makes Merriam-Webster Unabridged the essential choice for true word lovers.

Start Your Free Trial Now

Dictionary Entries Near addorsed

Cite this Entry

“Addorsed.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/addorsed. Accessed 21 Dec. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!