A way of mending matters, help out of a difficulty; a better way, a resource, alternative, choice. ther nis no bote: there is no help for it. none…

Resource, remedy, means of helping or extricating oneself, shift; also, expedient, device, shiftiness.

Available means of effecting an end. Often in phrase (to have) no other shift. Obsolete exc. dialect.

a help at maw: a resource, a resort; a means of evasion. Obsolete.

An action or strategy which may be resorted to in a difficulty or emergency; an expedient.