Anat. Pl. trapezii. [mod.L. trapezius (musculus), adj. masc. f. trapezium: see prec.] Each of a pair of large flat triangular muscles (together forming the figure of a trapezium) extending over the back of the neck and adjacent parts. Also trapezius muscle.
[1693. trans. Blancard’s Phys. Dict. (ed. 2), Trapesius Musculus, so called from its Geometric Figure.]
1704. J. Harris, Lex. Techn., I. T[r]apezius, is a Muscle of the Shoulderblade, which serves to move it upwards, backwards, and downwards.
1831. R. Knox, Cloquet’s Anat., 201. Its anterior surface is covered by the subclavius muscle, and the posterior by the trapezius.
1840. G. V. Ellis, Anat., 5. The great occipital nerve … perforates the trapezius muscle.
1850. O. W. Holmes, Elsie V., iii. The trapezius, lying diamond-shaped over the back and shoulders like a monk’s cowl.
