Backbone
/ˈbækˌboʊn/noun
The spine; by extension, courage, strength, or essential support.
Did you know?Unlike words such as mortgage or disaster, backbone is a transparent native English compound, but it became a powerful metaphor for courage because the spine was seen as the body’s central support.
Etymological Timeline
Old English
OE
bæc + bān
“Back + bone; the bones of the back, the spine.”
Middle English
ME
bakbon
“The spine; the supporting structure along the back.”
16th Century
English
backbone
“The spinal column, especially as the main support of the body.”
17th Century
English
backbone
“Figuratively, firmness, courage, or moral strength.”
Modern English
English
backbone
“The spine; also the main supporting part or essential strength of something.”