BACKBONES
Noun
backbones
plural of backbone
Source: Wiktionary
BACKBONE
Back"bone", n. Etym: [2d back,n.+ bone. ]
1. The column of bones in the back which sustains and gives firmness
to the frame; the spine; the vertebral or spinal column.
2. Anything like , or serving the purpose of, a backbone.
The lofty mountains on the north side compose the granitic axis, or
backbone of the country. Darwin.
We have now come to the backbone of our subject. Earle.
3. Firmness; moral principle; steadfastness.
Shelley's thought never had any backbone. Shairp.
To the backbone, through and through; thoroughly; entirely. "Staunch
to the backbone." Lord Lytton.
Source: Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary 1913 Edition