shoulder n
Comb shoulder bag: bag carried when travelling in the woods and 'barrens.' (P 9-73).
shoulder spell: (a) the distance a man can carry a burden without resting; (b) the burden carried; SPELL n.
1863 MORETON 30 'Two shoulder spells' is the distance a man would ordinarily carry a burden on his shoulders, resting once in the midst. 1896 J A Folklore, ix, 25 'How far did you carry that load?' 'Three shoulder spells,' meaning as far as one could carry without resting more than three times. 1937 DEVINE 45 ~ As far as one can carry a load on the shoulder without stopping to rest. Also, the quantity that can be carried thus. 1971 NOSEWORTHY 242 ~ A load on the back. 1977 QUILLIAM 70 A shoulder-spell is the distance a man can carry a backload of wood without taking a spell.
shoulder turn: the amount, esp of wood, a man can carry on his back; TURN n.
1966 PADDOCK 109 A shoulder turn of lumber [is the] amount of wood one can carry. Q 73-9 ~ As much wood as you can bring on your back.
