Round-shouldered or hump-backed.
1857. We might, in consequence [of lack of funds], become somewhat round-shouldered and “bible-backed.”—Olympia (W.T.) Pioneer and Democrat, Dec. 11.
Bible-back, n. A round-shouldered, hump-backed person [is found in] Rockland Co., N.Y. [and] Bergen Co., N.J.—See ‘Dialect Notes,’ ii. 349.
1873. In the Tichborne trial, the following evidence was given, Aug. 29:—
| Was he a big lad?—Yes. | |
| What kind of shoulders?—Rather high. | |
| Anything else?—He was humpy or bible-backed. | |
Notes and Queries, 4 S. xii. 227. |
