\Sad"dle\, n.
1. (Phys. Geog.) A ridge connected two higher elevations; a
   low point in the crest line of a ridge; a col.
2. (Mining) A formation of gold-bearing quartz occurring
   along the crest of an anticlinal fold, esp. in Australia.

\Sad"dle\, n. [OE. sadel, AS. sadol; akin to D. zadel, G.
sattel, OHG. satal, satul, Icel. s["o][eth]ull, Dan. & Sw.
sadel; cf. Russ. siedlo; all perh. ultimately from the root
of E. sit.]
1. A seat for a rider, -- usually made of leather, padded to
   span comfortably a horse's back, furnished with stirrups
   for the rider's feet to rest in, and fastened in place
   with a girth; also, a seat for the rider on a bicycle or
   tricycle.
2. A padded part of a harness which is worn on a horse's
   back, being fastened in place with a girth. It serves
   various purposes, as to keep the breeching in place, carry
   guides for the reins, etc.
3. A piece of meat containing a part of the backbone of an
   animal with the ribs on each side; as, a saddle of mutton,
   of venison, etc.
4. (Naut.) A block of wood, usually fastened to some spar,
   and shaped to receive the end of another spar.
5. (Mach.) A part, as a flange, which is hollowed out to fit
   upon a convex surface and serve as a means of attachment
   or support.
6. (Zo["o]l.) The clitellus of an earthworm.
7. (Arch.) The threshold of a door, when a separate piece
   from the floor or landing; -- so called because it spans
   and covers the joint between two floors.
{Saddle bar} (Arch.), one the small iron bars to which the
   lead panels of a glazed window are secured. --Oxf. Gloss.
{Saddle gall} (Far.), a sore or gall upon a horse's back,
   made by the saddle.
{Saddle girth}, a band passing round the body of a horse to
   hold the saddle in its place.
{saddle horse}, a horse suitable or trained for riding with a
   saddle.
{Saddle joint}, in sheet-metal roofing, a joint formed by
   bending up the edge of a sheet and folding it downward
   over the turned-up edge of the next sheet.
{Saddle roof}, (Arch.), a roof having two gables and one
   ridge; -- said of such a roof when used in places where a
   different form is more common; as, a tower surmounted by a
   saddle roof. Called also {saddleback roof}.
{Saddle shell} (Zo["o]l.), any thin plicated bivalve shell of
   the genera {Placuna} and {Anomia}; -- so called from its
   shape. Called also {saddle oyster}.

\Sad"dle\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Saddled}; p. pr. & vb. n.
{Saddling}.] [AS. sadelian.]
1. To put a saddle upon; to equip (a beast) for riding.
   ``saddle my horse.'' --Shak.
         Abraham rose up early, . . . and saddled his ass.
                                               --Gen. xxii.
                                               3.
2. Hence: To fix as a charge or burden upon; to load; to
   encumber; as, to saddle a town with the expense of bridges
   and highways.