cush·ion / ˈkoŏshən/ • n. a pillow or pad stuffed with a mass of soft material, used as a comfortable support for sitting or leaning on. ∎  something providing support or protection against impact: the pad forms a cushion between carpet and floor | fig. a poll showed the candidate with a 14-point cushion. ∎  the elastic lining of the sides of a billiard table, from which the ball rebounds. ∎  the layer of air supporting a hovercraft or similar vehicle.• v. [tr.] soften the effect of an impact on: the bag cushions equipment from inevitable knocks. ∎ fig. mitigate the adverse effects of: he called for federal assistance to cushion the blow for farmers.DERIVATIVES: cush·ioned adj.cush·ion·y adj.ORIGIN: Middle English: from Old French cuissin, based on a Latin word meaning ‘cushion for the hip,’ from coxa ‘hip, thigh’.

cushion.
1. Convex projection (pulvinus) of part of a building, e.g. a frieze apparently bulging outwards as if under pressure, called cushion-course, cushioned, or pulvinated frieze, or even a bolster or pulvin.

2. Stone block on an impost, being the springer of an arch.

3. Corbel or pad-stone.

cushion The cut of lamb or beef nearest the udder.

cushion XIV. Two types are repr. in ME. by (i) quisshon, (ii) cushin — OF. (i) coissin, cuissin, (ii) cossin, cussin, (also mod.) coussin :- a Gallo-Rom. form based on L. culcita mattress, cushion.