cushion

views updated May 29 2018

cush·ion / ˈkoŏshən/ • n. a pillow or pad stuffed with a mass of soft material, used as a comfortable support for sitting or leaning on. ∎  something providing support or protection against impact: the pad forms a cushion between carpet and floor | fig. a poll showed the candidate with a 14-point cushion. ∎  the elastic lining of the sides of a billiard table, from which the ball rebounds. ∎  the layer of air supporting a hovercraft or similar vehicle.• v. [tr.] soften the effect of an impact on: the bag cushions equipment from inevitable knocks. ∎ fig. mitigate the adverse effects of: he called for federal assistance to cushion the blow for farmers.DERIVATIVES: cush·ioned adj.cush·ion·y adj.ORIGIN: Middle English: from Old French cuissin, based on a Latin word meaning ‘cushion for the hip,’ from coxa ‘hip, thigh’.

cushion

views updated May 17 2018

cushion.
1. Convex projection (pulvinus) of part of a building, e.g. a frieze apparently bulging outwards as if under pressure, called cushion-course, cushioned, or pulvinated frieze, or even a bolster or pulvin.

2. Stone block on an impost, being the springer of an arch.

3. Corbel or pad-stone.

cushion

views updated May 17 2018

cushion The cut of lamb or beef nearest the udder.

cushion

views updated May 21 2018

cushion XIV. Two types are repr. in ME. by (i) quisshon, (ii) cushin — OF. (i) coissin, cuissin, (ii) cossin, cussin, (also mod.) coussin :- a Gallo-Rom. form based on L. culcita mattress, cushion.