porter's knot

English

Noun

porter's knot (plural porter's knots)

1. (obsolete) A double shoulder pad worn with a strap around the forehead, used by hawkers and market porters for supporting burdens on the head.
   • 1793, James Boswell, Life of Johnson, Oxford, published 2008, page 74:

     Mr. Wilcox, the bookseller, on being informed by him that his intention was to get his livelihood as an authour, eyed his robust frame attentively, and with a significant look, said, ‘You had better buy a porter's knot.’

Translations

double shoulder pad used by porters

• Ottoman Turkish: سمر (semer)