shaft.html - n. & v.
--n.

1 a an arrow or spear. b the long slender stem of these.
2 a remark intended to hurt or provoke (a shaft of malice; shafts of wit).
3 (foll. by of) a a ray (of light). b a bolt (of lightning).
4 the stem or handle of a tool, implement, etc.
5 a column, esp. between the base and capital.
6 a long narrow space, usu. vertical, for access to a mine, a lift in a building, for ventilation, etc.
7 a long and narrow part supporting or connecting or driving a part or parts of greater thickness etc.
8 each of the pair of poles between which a horse is harnessed to a vehicle.
9 the central stem of a feather.
10 Mech. a large axle or revolving bar transferring force by belts or cogs.
11 US colloq. harsh or unfair treatment.

--v.

tr. US colloq. treat unfairly. [OE scóft, sceaft f. Gmc]

shaft.html - n.
Mech.
1 a system of connected shafts for transmitting motion.
2 material from which shafts are cut.

shaft.html - n. & v.
--n.

1 a an arrow or spear. b the long slender stem of these.
2 a remark intended to hurt or provoke (a shaft of malice; shafts of wit).
3 (foll. by of) a a ray (of light). b a bolt (of lightning).
4 the stem or handle of a tool, implement, etc.
5 a column, esp. between the base and capital.
6 a long narrow space, usu. vertical, for access to a mine, a lift in a building, for ventilation, etc.
7 a long and narrow part supporting or connecting or driving a part or parts of greater thickness etc.
8 each of the pair of poles between which a horse is harnessed to a vehicle.
9 the central stem of a feather.
10 Mech. a large axle or revolving bar transferring force by belts or cogs.
11 US colloq. harsh or unfair treatment.

--v.

tr. US colloq. treat unfairly. [OE scóft, sceaft f. Gmc]

shaft.html - n.
Mech.
1 a system of connected shafts for transmitting motion.
2 material from which shafts are cut.

shaft.html - {v. phr.}, {slang} To move in with (someone) of the opposite sex without marrying the person. * /Did you know that Ollie and Sue aren't married? They just decided to shack up for a while./ See: LIGHT HOUSEKEEPING.

shaft.html - See: AFRAID OF ONE'S SHADOW, EYE SHADOW.