Definition of: cushion

(ksh′ən) noun
1. A flexible bag or casing filled with some soft or elastic material, as feathers, air, etc.
2. Anything resembling a cushion in appearance, construction, or application; especially, any device to deaden the jar or impact of parts, as padding or inserted rubber.
3. The elastic rim of a billiard table.
4. A pincushion.
5. A pillow used in making lace.
6. The motive fluid remaining in the cylinder of a reciprocating engine after the closing of the exhaust port.
7. The fleshy part of the hind quarter of a hog, horse, etc.
—v.t.
1. To place, seat, or arrange on or as on a cushion; prop up.
2. To provide with a cushion.
3. To cover or hide as with a cushion.
4. To pad, as with a cushion; absorb the shock or effect of.
5. Mech. To compress, as exhaust steam or other motive fluid, by closing the exhaust outlet of a cylinder.
—v.i.
6. In billiards, to cause the cue ball to strike the cushion before contact with the second object ball, either before or after striking the first. [<F coussin,? var. of OF coissin, ult. <L coxa hip, thigh]
—cush′ion·y adjective