Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

Load \Load\, n. [OE. lode load, way; properly the same word as
   lode, but confused with lade, load, v. See {Lade}, {Lead},
   v., {Lode}.]
   1. A burden; that which is laid on or put in anything for
      conveyance; that which is borne or sustained; a weight;
      as, a heavy load.

            He might such a load To town with his ass carry.
                                                  --Gower.

   2. The quantity which can be carried or drawn in some
      specified way; the contents of a cart, barrow, or vessel;
      that which will constitute a cargo; lading.

   3. That which burdens, oppresses, or grieves the mind or
      spirits; as, a load of care. `` A . . . load of guilt.''
      --Ray. `` Our life's a load.'' --Dryden.

   4. A particular measure for certain articles, being as much
      as may be carried at one time by the conveyance commonly
      used for the article measured; as, a load of wood; a load
      of hay; specifically, five quarters.

   5. The charge of a firearm; as, a load of powder.

   6. Weight or violence of blows. [Obs.] --Milton.

   7. (Mach.) The work done by a steam engine or other prime
      mover when working.

   {Load line}, or {Load water line} (Naut.), the line on the
      outside of a vessel indicating the depth to which it sinks
      in the water when loaded.

   Syn: Burden; lading; weight; cargo. See {Burden}.

Source : WordNet®

load line
     n : waterlines to show the level the water should reach when the
         ship is properly loaded [syn: {Plimsoll line}, {Plimsoll
         mark}, {Plimsoll}]