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, ∨ 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.
© Webster 1913.
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 Loaden is obsolete, and laden belongs to lade.]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.
© Webster 1913.