ʃɑ:ft 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]