oxter

Definition

The armpit.

Etymology

Apparently from Middle English *oxtere, *oxte, from Old English ōxta, ōhsta, related to Old English ōxn (“armpit”), Old English eax (“axis, axle”), and eaxl (“shoulder”). See also axis and axon.

Example Sentences

• "And begob there he was passing the door with his books under his oxter and the wife beside him and Corny Kelleher with his wall eye looking in as they went past, […]"
• "‘It's a small beast,’ he said. ‘I could carry it under my oxter.’"