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

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

: a sharply delineated beam of light shining through an opening

: 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

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

First Known Use: before 12th century