oxter
Definition
Noun (chiefly Scottish, Northern English, and Irish):
- The armpit: "oxter" refers to the hollow under the arm where the arm joins the shoulder; the axilla.
- The inside of the arm: It can also mean the inner surface of the upper arm, especially when used as a place to hold or carry something.
Verb (chiefly Scottish and Northern English):
- To support by the arm: "oxter" means to take someone by the arm or under the arm, often to help them walk or stand.
Usage Examples
Noun:
- He had a sharp pain in his oxter after lifting the heavy box. (He felt a pain in his armpit.)
- She carried the basket nestled in her oxter. (She held the basket in the crook of her arm.)
Verb:
- The old man needed to be oxted across the street. (He needed to be supported by the arm to cross safely.)
Advanced Usage
"under the oxter": in the armpit region.
- He tucked the letter under his oxter. (He placed the letter under his arm, against his body.)
"to oxter someone": to assist or guide someone by holding their arm.
- She oxted her grandmother into the house. (She supported her grandmother by the arm while walking.)
Variants and Related Words
Oxters (plural noun): refers to both armpits.
- His oxters were sore after the game. (Both armpits were painful.)
Oxtering (present participle verb): the act of supporting by the arm.
- Oxtering the injured player, the coach led him off the field. (Supporting him by the arm.)
Synonyms
- Armpit: the standard term for the hollow under the arm.
- Axilla: the anatomical term for the armpit.
Idioms and Phrasal Verbs
"to oxter up": to lift or raise something using the arm.
- He oxted up the bag onto his shoulder. (He lifted the bag with his arm.)
"to take an oxter": to link arms with someone, often for support or companionship.
- They took an oxter as they walked through the park. (They linked arms.)