Load

Load (lōd), 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, or 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.

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 Loaden is obsolete, and laden belongs to lade.] 1.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.