In the East objects are carried in the bosom which Europeans carry in the pocket. To have in one's bosom indicates kindness, secrecy, or intimacy (Genesis 16:5; 2 Samuel 12:8). Christ is said to have been in "the bosom of the Father," i.e., he had the most perfect knowledge of the Father, had the closest intimacy with him (John 1:18). John (13:23) was "leaning on Jesus' bosom" at the last supper. Our Lord carries his lambs in his bosom, i.e., has a tender, watchful care over them (Isaiah 40:11).

Noah Webster's New International Dictionary of the English Language

1. (n.) The breast of a human being; the part, between the arms, to which anything is pressed when embraced by them.

2. (n.) The breast, considered as the seat of the passions, affections, and operations of the mind; consciousness; secret thoughts.

3. (n.) Embrace; loving or affectionate enclosure; fold.

4. (n.) Any thing or place resembling the breast; a supporting surface; an inner recess; the interior; as, the bosom of the earth.

5. (n.) The part of the dress worn upon the breast; an article, or a portion of an article, of dress to be worn upon the breast; as, the bosom of a shirt; a linen bosom.

6. (n.) Inclination; desire.

7. (n.) A depression round the eye of a millstone.

8. (a.) of or pertaining to the bosom.

9. (a.) Intimate; confidential; familiar; trusted; cherished; beloved; as, a bosom friend.

10. (v. t.) To enclose or carry in the bosom; to keep with care; to take to heart; to cherish.

11. (v. t.) To conceal; to hide from view; to embosom.