Definify.com
Webster 1913 Edition
Spine
Spine
,Noun.
1.
(Bot.)
A sharp appendage to any of a plant; a thorn.
2.
(Zool.)
(a)
A rigid and sharp projection upon any part of an animal.
(b)
One of the rigid and undivided fin rays of a fish.
3.
(Anat.)
The backbone, or spinal column, of an animal; – so called from the projecting processes upon the vertebrae.
4.
Anything resembling the spine or backbone; a ridge.
Webster 1828 Edition
Spine
SPINE
,Noun.
1.
The back bone of an animal.2.
The shin of the leg.3.
A thorn; a sharp process from the woody part of a plant. It differs from a prickle, which proceeds form the bark. A spine which proceeds from the bark. A spine sometimes terminates a branch or a leaf, and sometimes is axillary, growing at the angle formed by the branch or leaf with the stem. The wild apple and pear are armed with thorns; the rose, bramble, gooseberry. &c. are armed with prickles.