Crossword Dictionary

What's The Definition Of Sole?

\Sole\, n. [F. sole, L. solea; -- so named from its flat shape. See {Sole} of the foot.] (Zo["o]l.) (a) Any one of several species of flatfishes of the genus {Solea} and allied genera of the family {Soleid[ae]}, especially the common European species ({Solea vulgaris}), which is a valuable food fish. (b) Any one of several American flounders somewhat resembling the true sole in form or quality, as the California sole ({Lepidopsetta bilineata}), the long-finned sole ({Glyptocephalus zachirus}), and other species. {Lemon}, or {French}, {sole} (Zo["o]l.), a European species of sole ({Solea pegusa}). {Smooth sole} (Zo["o]l.), the megrim.
\Sole\, n. [AS. sole, fr. L. soolea (or rather an assumed L. sola), akin to solumround, soil, sole of the foot. Cf. {Exile}, {Saloon}, {Soil} earth, {Sole} the fish.] 1. The bottom of the foot; hence, also, rarely, the foot itself. The dove found no rest for the sole of her foot. --Gen. viii. 9. Hast wandered through the world now long a day, Yet ceasest not thy weary soles to lead. --Spenser. 2. The bottom of a shoe or boot, or the piece of leather which constitutes the bottom. The ``caliga'' was a military shoe, with a very thick sole, tied above the instep. --Arbuthnot. 3. The bottom or lower part of anything, or that on which anything rests in standing. Specifially: (a) (Agric.) The bottom of the body of a plow; -- called also {slade}; also, the bottom of a furrow. (b) (Far.) The horny substance under a horse's foot, which protects the more tender parts. (c) (Fort.) The bottom of an embrasure. (d) (Naut.) A piece of timber attached to the lower part of the rudder, to make it even with the false keel. --Totten. (e) (Mining) The seat or bottom of a mine; -- applied to horizontal veins or lodes. {Sole leather}, thick, strong, used for making the soles of boots and shoes, and for other purposes.
\Sole\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Soled}; p. pr. & vb. n. {Soling}.] To furnish with a sole; as, to sole a shoe.
\Sole\, a. [L. solus, or OF. sol, F. seul (fr. L. solus; cf. L. sollus whole, entire. Cf. {Desolate}, {Solemn}, {Solo}, {Sullen}.] 1. Being or acting without another; single; individual; only. ``The sole son of my queen.'' --Shak. He, be sure . . . first and last will reign Sole king. --Milton. 2. (Law) Single; unmarried; as, a feme sole. {Corporation sole}. See the Note under {Corporation}. Syn: Single; individual; only; alone; solitary.