broken-backed, a.
(ˈbrəʊk(ə)nˈbækt)
Also 5 ˈbroke-bak, -backed.
1. Having a broken back; formerly, also, having a deformed or dislocated spine, hunch-backed. Also transf. and fig.
| c 1400 Gamelyn 720 Broke-bak scherreue euel mot thou the! 1470 Harding Chron. clvii. iii, This Edmond..Brokebacked and bowbacked bore. 1530 Palsgr. 307/1 Broken backed, arne. 1883 St. James's Gaz. 21 Dec. 4/1 The broken-backed Government of Tewfik. |
2. Naut. (See quot. and break v. 7 b.)
| 1769 Falconer Dict. Marine (1789) Broken-backed, the state..of a ship, which is so loosened in her frame..as to droop at each end. c 1850 Rudim. Navig. (Weale) 101 Broken-backed or hogged. |