to square one's shoulders

Webster's Dictionary (GCIDE)

1.To form with four equal sides and four right angles. --Spenser. [1913 Webster]

2.To form with right angles and straight lines, or flat surfaces; as, to square masons' work. [1913 Webster]

3.To compare with, or reduce to, any given measure or standard. --Shak. [1913 Webster]

4.To adjust; to regulate; to mold; to shape; to fit; as, to square our actions by the opinions of others. [1913 Webster]

Square my trial To my proportioned strength.— Milton.[1913 Webster]

5.To make even, so as to leave no remainder or difference; to balance; as, to square accounts. [1913 Webster]

6.(Math.) To multiply by itself; as, to square a number or a quantity. [1913 Webster]

7.(Astrol.) To hold a quartile position respecting. [1913 Webster]

The icy Goat and Crab that square the Scales.— Creech.[1913 Webster]

8.(Naut.) To place at right angles with the keel; as, to square the yards. [1913 Webster]

To square one's shoulders, to raise the shoulders so as to give them a square appearance, -- a movement expressing contempt or dislike. --Sir W. Scott.

To square the circle (Math.), to determine the exact contents of a circle in square measure. The solution of this famous problem is now generally admitted to be impossible. [1913 Webster]