Crossword Dictionary

What's The Definition Of Load?

\Load\, n. [OE. lode load, way; properly the same word as lode, but confused with lade, load, v. See {Lade}, {Lead}, v., {Lode}.] 1. A burden; that which is laid on or put in anything for conveyance; that which is borne or sustained; a weight; as, a heavy load. He might such a load To town with his ass carry. --Gower. 2. The quantity which can be carried or drawn in some specified way; the contents of a cart, barrow, or vessel; that which will constitute a cargo; lading. 3. That which burdens, oppresses, or grieves the mind or spirits; as, a load of care. `` A . . . load of guilt.'' --Ray. `` Our life's a load.'' --Dryden. 4. A particular measure for certain articles, being as much as may be carried at one time by the conveyance commonly used for the article measured; as, a load of wood; a load of hay; specifically, five quarters. 5. The charge of a firearm; as, a load of powder. 6. Weight or violence of blows. [Obs.] --Milton. 7. (Mach.) The work done by a steam engine or other prime mover when working. {Load line}, or {Load water line} (Naut.), the line on the outside of a vessel indicating the depth to which it sinks in the water when loaded. Syn: Burden; lading; weight; cargo. See {Burden}.
\Load\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Loaded}; p. pr. & vb. n. {Loading}. Loaden is obsolete, and laden belongs to lade.] 1. To lay a load or burden on or in, as on a horse or in a cart; to charge with a load, as a gun; to furnish with a lading or cargo, as a ship; hence, to add weight to, so as to oppress or embarrass; to heap upon. I strive all in vain to load the cart. --Gascoigne. I have loaden me with many spoils. --Shak. Those honors deep and broad, wherewith Your majesty loads our house. --Shak. 2. To adulterate or drug; as, to load wine. [Cant] 3. To magnetize.[Obs.] --Prior. {Loaded dice}, dice with one side made heavier than the others, so that the number on the opposite side will come up oftenest.