noun

1. 1. the long stem or body of an arrow or spear
   2. an arrow or spear
2. a missile or something that seems to be hurled like a missile; bolt shafts of lightning, derision, etc.
3. a cone or column of light; ray; beam
4. a long, slender part or object; specif.,
   1. Rare the trunk of a tree or stem of a plant
   2. the stem or rib of a feather
   3. the midsection of a long bone
   4. the supporting stem of a branched candlestick
   5. a column or obelisk; also, the main, usually cylindrical, part between the ends of a column or pillar; verge
   6. a flagpole
   7. a tall, slender building or part of a building; spire
   8. a handle, as on some tools or implements
   9. either of the two poles between which an animal is harnessed to a vehicle; thill
   10. a bar, usually cylindrical, for supporting or transmitting motion to a wheel, pulley, gear, cam, etc. the drive shaft of an engine
5. a long, narrow, vertical or slanting passage sunk into the earth a mine shaft
6. a vertical opening passing through the floors of a building, as for an elevator
7. 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