shaft
shaft definition
shaft (s̸haft, s̸häft)
noun
- the long stem or body of an arrow or spear
- an arrow or spear
- a missile or something that seems to be hurled like a missile; bolt shafts of lightning, derision, etc.
- a cone or column of light; ray; beam
- a long, slender part or object; specif.,
- Rare the trunk of a tree or stem of a plant
- the stem or rib of a feather
- the midsection of a long bone
- the supporting stem of a branched candlestick
- a column or obelisk; also, the main, usually cylindrical, part between the ends of a column or pillar; verge
- a flagpole
- a tall, slender building or part of a building; spire
- a handle, as on some tools or implements
- either of the two poles between which an animal is harnessed to a vehicle; thill
- a bar, usually cylindrical, for supporting or transmitting motion to a wheel, pulley, gear, cam, etc. the drive shaft of an engine
- a long, narrow, vertical or slanting passage sunk into the earth a mine shaft
- a vertical opening passing through the floors of a building, as for an elevator
- a conduit for air, as used in heating and ventilating
Etymology: ME schaft < OE sceaft, akin to Ger schaft < IE base *(s)kap-, to cut with a sharp tool > shave, Gr skapos, rod, L scapus, shaft, stalk
transitive verb
Slang to cheat, trick, exploit, etc.
shaft Idioms
get the shaft
Slang to be cheated, tricked, etc.
give someone the shaft
Slang to cheat or trick someone
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