Boss, a modified form of the Dutch baas, 'master,' is used in the United States for an employer of labour, or a local political chief; and in Britain is a slang word, or is employed humorously. To 'boss' is to play the master.
Boss
Chambers's Encyclopaedia, Volume 2: Beaugency to Cataract, p. 343
Source scan(s): p. 0354