shaftSH'AFT, n. L. scapus; from the root of shape, from setting, or shooting, extending.] 1. An arrow; a missile weapin; as the archer and the shaft. So loftly was the pile, a Parthian bow Whith vigor drawn must send the shaft below. Dryden. 2. In mining, a pit or long narrow opening or entrance into a mine. [This may possibly be a different word, as in German it is written schacht, Dan. skaegte.] 3. In architecture, the shaft of a column is the body of it, between the base and the capital. 4. Any thing straight; as the shaft of a steeple, and many other things. 5. The stem or stock of a fether or quill. 6. The pole of a carriage, sometimes called tongue or neap. The thills of a chaise or geg are also called shafts. 7. The handle of a weapon. |