Saddle

(-dl), n. [A-S. sadul, sadol, sadel, sadl, I. Ger., Dan., & Sw. sadel, Icel. söðull, D. zadel, O. H. Ger. satul, satul, satûl, N. H. Ger. sattel, W. saddel, Ir. & Gael. sadhal, Slav. sedlo, siedlo, Lat. sella, for sedla, sedula, from the root of sit, Lat. sedere.]

1. A seat to be placed on a horse's back for the rider to sit on.
2. Hence, something resembling a saddle in form, use, or the like; as, (a.) A piece of meat containing a part of the back-bone of an animal with the ribs on each side; as, a saddle of mutton, of venison, &c. (b.) (Naut.) A cleat, or block of wood, nailed on the lower yard-arms, to retain the studding-sail booms in their place. (c.) (Mach.) A part to sustain or secure another part upon a curved surface.

☞— The name is given also to other pieces of wood hollowed out; as, the saddle of the bowsprit.