bearing
/ˈbɛɹɪŋ/ noun B2- A mechanical device that supports another part or reduces friction.
- The horizontal angle between the direction of an object and another object, or between it and that of true north; a heading or direction.
- One's understanding of one's orientation or relative position, literally or figuratively. · Do we go left here or straight on? Hold on, let me just get my bearings.· I started a new job last week, and I still haven't quite found my bearings.
- Relevance; a relationship or connection. · That has no bearing on this issue.
- One's posture, demeanor, or manner. · She walks with a confident, self-assured bearing.
- That part of any member of a building which rests upon its supports. · A lintel or beam may have four inches of bearing upon the wall.
- The portion of a support on which anything rests.
- The unsupported span. · The beam has twenty feet of bearing between its supports.
Plural bearings
From the library
I still retain in my scrap-book numerous clippings and extracts bearing upon the case.
“I should have more faith,” he said; “I ought to know by this time that when a fact appears to be opposed to a long train of deductions, it invariably proves to be capable of bearing some other interpretation.
There were lovely patches of greensward all about, with stately trees bearing rich and luscious fruits.
If I had only been willing to assist the Ass a little in his need, I should not now be bearing, together with his burden, himself as well.”
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