The passage leading from the oral and nasal cavities to the trachea or esophagus of a human being or an animal; also, the equivalent structure in a dragon or an incarnate soul.

(a) The throat considered as the section of the alimentary canal leading from the mouth to the esophagus, pharynx; also, the pharynx considered to be the place where a ruminant chews its cud; (b) fig. of (a) and in fig. contexts; the short ~, the brief pleasure of swallowing.

(a) The throat considered as upper portion of the respiratory tract; also, the thorax; (b) the human larynx, voice box; also with punning reference to sense 1b.(a) [quot. c1400 (a1376)]; the vocal organ of an animal, esp. the syrinx; also, a vocal sound; (c) fig. of (b).

(a) The front of the human neck between the chin and the collarbone [quot. ?a1160 could also be construed as (c)]; also applied to a personified cross [quot. c1300]; forke of the ~, the collarbone; cutten ~, to make a deep cut in someone's neck, slit someone's throat; also, take an extreme measure [quot. a1450]; (b) the front of an animal's neck between the jaw or beak and the breast; bolle (outre) ~, = throte-bolle n. (c); (c) the neck [1st quot. may belong to (a)]; also in fig. context; (d) a fur piece taken from the throat of an animal; martrin throtes.

?The location where the base of the tongue is attached to the throat; ?error for rote n.(4).

(a) An opening leading to a consuming place or force; also, a whirlpool; ~ of helle; develes ~; (b) the opening of a fishing net.