BOSS, a round protuberance; the projecting centre or "umbo" of a buckler (O.E. boce, a swelling; cf. Fr. bosse) ; in geology a projection of rock through strata of another species; in architec ture, the large projecting stone at the intersection of the ribs of a Gothic vault, sometimes moulded and frequently decorated by rich foliage, grotesque figures or heraldic and symbolic forms. In industry boss is a colloquial term for master, employer . or f ore man, originating in the United States, but now used in all parts of the English-speaking world. The word is apparently derived from the Dutch baas, master. It is also used in American, but not in English, politics. Thus, we find Bryce, in his American Commonwealth, writing : "He dispenses places, rewards the loyal, concocts schemes . . . he is a boss."