- bosom
- O.E. bosm, from W.Gmc. *bosm- perhaps from PIE base *bhou- "to grow, swell," or *bhaghus "arm." The primary notion would be "enclosure formed by the breast and the arms." Meaning "a woman's breasts" is from 1959; but bosomy "big-breasted" is from 1928. Bosom-friend is first attested 1590.