hunchback

[ huhnch-bak ]

noun

1. a person whose back is humped in a convex position because of abnormal spinal curvature. Compare kyphosis, kyphoscoliosis.
2. humpback ( def 1 ).

hunchback

/ ˈhʌntʃˌbæk /

noun

1. a person having an abnormal convex curvature of the thoracic spine
2. such a curvature

Derived Forms

• ˈhunchˌbacked, adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of hunchback¹

First recorded in 1705–15; back formation from hunchbacked

Word History and Origins

Origin of hunchback¹

C18: from earlier hunchbacked, huckbacked humpbacked, influenced by bunchbacked, from bunch (in obsolete sense of hump ) + backed

Example Sentences

He was described by Shakespeare as having a hunchback and indeed the skeleton shows evidence of curvature of the spine.

From The Daily Beast

The young woman, seated near the fire-place, was the wife of Fergan, Joan the Hunchback.

From Project Gutenberg

The Norman did not see a certain, dark-visaged hunchback, who strove to thrust himself through the throng to a station beside him.

From Project Gutenberg

Leonard frowned; then glared at the hunchback, who was still peering at them.

From Project Gutenberg

I could not resist the inclination to look back at the hunchback.

From Project Gutenberg

Every hand, every tongue was against the hunchback, yet my shame saved me.

From Project Gutenberg