draft
/drɑːft
/noun
1A preliminary version of a piece of writing: the first draft of the party’s manifesto [as modifier]: a draft document...
- Since a job description for this office could not be found, I generated a preliminary draft of such a document.
- The study was still undergoing substantive editing in order to incorporate the suggestions of the lawyers and public policy analysts who reviewed its preliminary drafts.
- It is hoped that each will complete a preliminary draft of a new play by July 2005, with a view to five new works being created for possible production over the next few years.
1.1A plan, sketch, or rough drawing: a manuscript draft representing the explorer’s latest findings...
- It's the result of many rough drafts and sketches, as well as six months of labour.
- This working draft can be compared to a rough draft of a manuscript, essentially containing all of the information needed but still requiring some hard polishing before completion.
- He soon had a rough draft of a manuscript about how an antibody might be formed and the physical-chemical basis of its specific reaction with antigen.
Synonyms
preliminary version, rough sketch, outline, plan, blueprint, skeleton, abstract;
main points, bones, bare bones
plan, blueprint, design, artist's impression, diagram, drawing, scale drawing, outline, sketch, pattern, map, layout, representation
1.2 [mass noun] Computing A mode of operation of a printer in which text is produced rapidly but with relatively low definition.It isn't as good on plain paper though, with no happy medium between printing in the detailed finer modes and the speedier, but rougher, draft modes.
2A written order to pay a specified sum.How could Dunlop walk into the AIB with cheques or drafts made out for large sums of money to a company of which he was not a director or shareholder or officer, and walk out again having converted them to cash?...
- You may send in your contributions in the form of cheque or draft or money orders directly addressed to.
- The reason for this is that bankers' drafts are made payable to the payee's order, which means that transfer can be effected only by means of the payee's genuine indorsement.
Synonyms
cheque, order, banker's order, money order, bill of exchange, postal order
technical negotiable instrument
3 (the draft) US Compulsory recruitment for military service: 25 million men were subject to the draft...
- In the mid-1970s the U.S. abandoned the draft and recruited an all-volunteer professional military.
- Furthermore, even volunteer recruits, many entering because of the draft, received the same low salaries as draftees.
- Second, if you had bothered to learn about the issue you would have found that no one opposes the draft more than the military.
3.1North American A procedure whereby sports players are made available for selection or reselection by the teams in a league, usually with the earlier choices being given to the weaker teams: the White Sox chose him in the 13th round of the 1990 draft...
- Much of the fun and palpitations of Rotisserie League play occurs at the draft of players at the start of the season.
- In the final two days before the draft, teams begin contacting players they feel won't be selected.
- If a player is available early in the draft or in free agency, the team must make a move and cut Brown loose.
3.2 rare A group or individual selected from a larger group for a special duty, e.g. for military service: the draft and I were sent to the barracks near Folkestone
4 US spelling of draught (noun).
verb [with object]
1Prepare a preliminary version of (a document): I drafted a letter of resignation...
- Nor have they established that, even leaving it until the last minute, he could not have drafted these documents and prepared them prior to the expiry of the four month period.
- The preliminary survey questionnaire was drafted on July 13, 1997.
- Cine and the WHO are drafting a document that will serve as a guide for researchers and communities in health research projects.
2Select (a person or group of people) and bring them somewhere for a certain purpose: riot police were drafted in to break up the blockade...
- A team of Hampshire police officers was drafted in last night as a murder investigation was launched.
- Dozens of extra officers were also drafted in from across the force, and senior officers even flew to the US to meet members of the FBI to help with the investigation.
- A month later union leaders were drafted in following fears the firm's wood mill was facing imminent closure, with more finished products being shipped in from abroad.
2.1US Conscript (someone) for military service: he was drafted in 1938...
- Accordingly, in March 1863, Congress passed the Conscription Act to draft men into military service.
- However, in March 1916, he was drafted for military service to the Reserve Officers School near Sofia.
- An army serial number must be assigned and issued to an Army or Navy inductee by a relevant military draft office on the day when he is drafted into service.
2.2North American Select (a player) for a sports team through the draft: he was drafted by Winnipeg and traded the following spring...
- Warner, meanwhile, must regain the confidence of his teammates… Don't be surprised if the team drafts a quarterback.
- Is this the year the team drafts its future quarterback?
- He is a good athlete with a strong arm, but might not he back next year if the team drafts a quarterback.
adjective
US spelling of draught (adjective).
Derivatives
drafter
/ noun ...- One of the key drafters of the party's platform called the decision ‘a disaster.’
- Hopefully, the drafters of the constitution understand our strong belief that women ought to be treated equally in society.
- I realize that the drafters of these laws probably didn't envision the Internet, which wasn't a major communications medium at the time.
Origin
Mid 16th century: phonetic spelling of draught.