humpback

Etymology

Definitions

1. 1

   A humped back (deformity in humans caused by abnormal curvature of the upper spine).

   • […] the Stone in my Fathers Body was so immense, that I’ve wonder’d it did not bunch up behind, and make him have a Hump-back, or at least overpoise him in walking, and drag him backward with its incredible weight.
   • In the Male Line, there happened an unlucky Accident in the Reign of Richard the Third; the eldest Son of Philip, then Chief of the Family, being born with an Hump-back and very high Nose.
   • Diana Vernon, the most beautiful creature I ever beheld, in love with him, the bandy-legged, bull-necked, limping scoundrel!—Richard the Third in all but his hump-back!
2. 2

   A person with a humpback

   A person with a humpback; a person who suffers from kyphosis.

   • […] Tom’s more specific and kindly impressions gradually melted into the old background of suspicion and dislike toward him as a queer fellow, a humpback, and the son of a rogue.
   • […] I stared up at the raw spots on his cheek and thought, there is no safety anywhere: a humpback, a cripple—they all have the trigger that sets love off.
3. 3

   A humpback whale.

4. ›+ 2 more definitionsshow fewer

   1. 4

      A humpback salmon.

   2. 5

      To hunt humpback whales.

      • The captain of the James Rodgers […] was an old hand at humpbacking […]
      • […] the Alice Knowles […] did her whaling in the south Atlantic, by turns humpbacking off the African coast and cruising around Tristan in season.

The neighborhood

• neighborhumpbacked
• neighborkyphosis