noun

1. a pillow or soft pad for sitting or kneeling on, or reclining against; specif., a removable one forming part of a sofa, chair, etc.
2. a thing like a cushion in shape, softness, or use, as a small pillow used in lace-making, padding of various sorts, etc.
3. a fatty or fibrous padlike part of the body
4. anything serving to absorb shock, as air or steam in some machines, the elastic inner rim of a billiard table, or a soft, padded insole
5. anything that moderates an adverse effect, relieves a distressing condition, provides comfort, etc.

Etymology: ME cuisshin < OFr coissin < ML coxinum, altered (after L coxa, hip) < Gallo-Roman *culcinum, for L culcita, cushion, quilt

transitive verb

1. to provide with a cushion or cushions
2. 1. to seat or set on a cushion
   2. to prop up with a cushion or cushions
3. to hide or suppress, as if under a cushion
4. to absorb (shock or noise)
5. to act as a cushion, as in protecting from shock or injury, moderating ill effects, relieving distress, etc. the bush cushioned his fall