Load (?), n. [OE. lode load, way; properly the same word as lode, but confused with lade, load, v. See Lade, Lead, v., Lode.] 1. A burden; that which is laid on or put in anything for conveyance; that which is borne or sustained; a weight; as, a heavy load.
He might such a load
To town with his ass carry. Gower.
2. The quantity which can be carried or drawn in some specified way; the contents of a cart, barrow, or vessel; that which will constitute a cargo; lading.
3. That which burdens, oppresses, or grieves the mind or spirits; as, a load of care. “ A... load of guilt.” Ray. “ Our life's a load.” Dryden.
4. A particular measure for certain articles, being as much as may be carried at one time by the conveyance commonly used for the article measured; as, a load of wood; a load of hay; specifically, five quarters.
5. The charge of a firearm; as, a load of powder.
6. Weight or violence of blows. Milton.
7. (Mach.) The work done by a steam engine or other prime mover when working.
Load line, orLoad water line(Naut.), the line on the outside of a vessel indicating the depth to which it sinks in the water when loaded.
Syn. — Burden; lading; weight; cargo. See Burden.