side

I. noun Etymology: Middle English, from Old English sīde; akin to Old High German sīta side, Old English sīd ample, wide Date: before 12th century 1. a. the right or left part of the wall or trunk of the body <

a pain in the side

> b. (1) one of the halves of the animal body on either side of the median plane (2) a cut of meat including that about the ribs of one half of the body — used chiefly of smoked pork products c. one longitudinal half of a hide 2. a place, space, or direction with respect to a center or to a line of division (as of an aisle, river, or street) 3. a. one of the longer bounding surfaces or lines of an object especially contrasted with the ends <

the side of a barn

> b. a line or surface forming a border or face of an object <

a die has six sides

> <

the back side of the moon

> c. either surface of a thin object <

one side of a record

> <

right side of the cloth

> d. a bounding line of a geometric figure <

side of a triangle

> 4. a. the space beside one <

stood by my side

> b. an area next to something — usually used in combination <

a poolside interview

> 5. a slope (as of a hill) considered as opposed to another slope <

the far side of the hill

> 6. a. the attitude or activity of one person or group with respect to another ; part <

there was no malice on my side

> b. a position that is opposite to or contrasted with another <

two sides to every question

> <

came down on the side of law and order

> c. a body of partisans or contestants <

victory for neither side

> d. team 4a <

11 players on each side

>; also the players on a baseball team batting in an inning <

struck out the side

> 7. a line of descent traced through one's parent <

grandfather on his mother's side

> 8. an aspect or part of something contrasted with some other real or implied aspect or part <

the better side of his nature

> <

the sales side of the business

> <

the seasoning is a bit on the heavy side

> 9. British sideways spin imparted to a billiard or snooker ball 10. a sheet containing the lines and cues for a single theatrical role 11. a recording of music 12. a side order or dish <

a side of fries

> II. adjective Date: 14th century 1. a. situated on the side <

side window

> b. of or relating to the side 2. a. directed toward or from the side <

side thrust

> <

side wind

> b. incidental, indirect <

side issue

> <

side remark

> c. made on the side <

side payment

> d. additional to the main portion <

a side order of french fries

> III. verb (sided; siding) Date: 1591 transitive verb 1. to agree with ; support 2. to be side by side with 3. to set or put aside ; clear away <

side the dishes

> 4. to furnish with sides or siding <

side a house

> intransitive verb to take sides ; join or form sides <

sided with the rebels

> IV. noun Etymology: obsolete English side proud, boastful Date: 1878 chiefly British swaggering or arrogant manner ; pretentiousness