Boss \Boss\, n. [D. baas master.]

A master workman or superintendent; a director or manager; a political dictator. [Slang, U. S.]

Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)
 

Boss \Boss\ (b[o^]s; 115), n.; pl. Bosses (-[e^]z). [OE. boce, bose, boche, OF. boce, boche, bosse, F. bosse, of G. origin; cf. OHG. b[=o]zo tuft, bunch, OHG. b[=o]zan, MHG. b[^o]zen, to beat. See Beat, and cf. Botch a swelling.]

1. Any protuberant part; a round, swelling part or body; a knoblike process; as, a boss of wood.

2. A protuberant ornament on any work, either of different material from that of the work or of the same, as upon a buckler or bridle; a stud; a knob; the central projection of a shield. See Umbilicus.

Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)
 

Boss \Boss\ (b[o^]s), v. t. [imp. & p. p. Bossed (b[o^]st); p. pr. & vb. n. Bossing.]

[OE. bocen, fr. OF. bocier. See the preceding word.]

To ornament with bosses; to stud.

Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)