First Known Use: before 12th century
Dictionary
1shaft
noun \ˈshaft\
: the long, narrow part of a weapon, tool, instrument, etc.
: a bar in a machine which holds or turns other parts that move or spin
: one of two poles between which a horse is tied to pull a vehicle (such as a carriage)
plural shafts \ˈshaf(t)s, for 1b usually ˈshavz\
Full Definition of SHAFT
1
a (1) : the long handle of a spear or similar weapon (2) : spear, lance b or plural shaves \ˈshavz\ : pole; specifically : either of two long pieces of wood between which a horse is hitched to a vehicle c (1) : an arrow especially for a longbow (2) : the body or stem of an arrow extending from the nock to the head
2
: a sharply delineated beam of light shining through an opening
3
: something suggestive of the shaft of a spear or arrow especially in long slender cylindrical form: as a : the trunk of a tree b : the cylindrical pillar between the capital and the base c : the handle of a tool or instrument (as a golf club) d : a commonly cylindrical bar used to support rotating pieces or to transmit power or motion by rotation e : the stem or central axis of a feather f : the upright member of a cross especially below the arms g : the cylindrical part of a long bone between the enlarged ends h : a small architectural column (as at each side of a doorway) i : a column, obelisk, or other spire-shaped or columnar monument j : a vertical or inclined opening of uniform and limited cross section made for finding or mining ore, raising water, or ventilating underground workings (as in a cave) k : the part of a hair that is visible above the surface of the skin l : a vertical opening or passage through the floors of a building
4
a : a projectile thrown like a spear or shot like an arrow b : a scornful, satirical, or pithily critical remark or attack c : harsh or unfair treatment —usually used with the <gave them the shaft>
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Origin of SHAFT
Middle English, from Old English sceaft; akin to Old High German scaft shaft, Latin scapus shaft, stalk, Greek skēptesthai to prop oneself, lean
2shaft
transitive verb
: to treat (someone) unfairly or harshly
Full Definition of SHAFT
1
: to fit with a shaft
2
: to treat unfairly or harshly
First Known Use of SHAFT
1611
SHAFT Defined for Kids
shaft
noun \ˈshaft\
Definition of SHAFT for Kids
1
: the long handle of a weapon, tool, or instrument <the shaft of a spear> <the shaft of a golf club>
2
: one of two poles between which a horse is hitched to pull a wagon or carriage
3
: an arrow or its narrow stem
4
: a narrow beam of light
5
: a long narrow part or structure especially when round <the shaft of a feather>
6
: a mine opening made for finding or mining ore
7
: an opening or passage straight down through the floors of a building <an air shaft> <an elevator shaft>
8
: a bar to support rotating pieces of machinery or to give them motion
Medical Dictionary
shaft
noun \ˈshaft\
plural shafts \ˈshaf(t)s\
Medical Definition of SHAFT
: a long slender cylindrical body or part: as a : the cylindrical part of a long bone between the enlarged ends b : hair shaft
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