Shafts


shaft

S0310200 (shăft)n.1. A long thin object or part, as:a. The long narrow stem or body of a spear or arrow.b. A spear or arrow.c. The handle of any of various tools or implements.d. One of two parallel poles between which an animal is harnessed to a vehicle.e. A long, generally cylindrical bar that rotates and transmits power, as the drive shaft of an engine.2. Zoology The main axis of a feather, especially its distal portion.3. Anatomy a. The midsection of a long bone; the diaphysis.b. The section of a hair projecting from the surface of the body.c. The body of the clitoris, extending from the root to the glans.d. The body of the penis, extending from the root to the glans.4. Architecture a. A column or obelisk.b. The principal portion of a column, between the capital and the base.5. Something suggestive of a spear or arrow in appearance or configuration, as:a. A ray or beam of light.b. A bolt of lightning.6. a. A long, narrow, often vertical passage sunk into the earth, as for mining ore; a tunnel.b. A vertical passage housing an elevator.c. A duct or conduit for the passage of air, as for ventilation or heating.7. The upright portion of a boot that covers the leg.8. a. A scornful or sarcastic remark; a barb.b. Slang Harsh, unfair treatment. Often used with the: The management gave the unions the shaft.9. Vulgar Slang A penis.tr.v. shaft·ed, shaft·ing, shafts 1. To equip with a shaft.2. Slang To treat in a harsh, unfair way: "He had been shafted by the press quite a bit" (Frank Deford).3. Slang To penetrate (someone) sexually.
[Middle English, from Old English sceaft.]

Shafts

To steer vehicles or implements pulled by two horses, a Tongue attached to the front axle was used, but when there was only one horse, a pair of shafts (light poles) were used instead of a tongue. The shafts were positioned so that they ran along either side of the horse and were attached to the horse’s Harness by leather straps.