wishbone

wish +‎ bone

• Hyphenation: wish‧bone

wishbone (plural wishbones)

1. A forked bone between the neck and breast of a bird consisting chiefly of the two clavicles fused at their median or lower end, regarded as a lucky charm in some countries.
2. (nautical) A spar in two parts, between which a sail is hoisted, the wishbone extending its clew.
3. (nautical) Any sailing vessel rigged with a wishbone.
4. (American football) A particular kind of offensive formation. See wishbone formation.

   Synonym: bone

• (forked bone of a bird): furcula, merrythought, wishing bone

• wishboning

wishbone m (plural wishbones)

1. (nautical) wishbone