Offset

n. [From off and set.]

1. A sprout or bulb from the roots of a plant; a shoot.
2. A flat surface or terrace on a hill-side.
3. (Arch.) An horizontal ledge on the face or at the foot of a wall, formed by a diminution of its thickness, or by a part built out from it, or connecting two portions, the upper of which recedes or is set back from the lower one;—called also set-off.
4. (Bot.) A prostrate shoot, which takes root, but does not, like a runner, branch again.
5. (Surv.) A short distance measured at right angles from a line actually run to some point in an irregular boundary, or to some object.
6. A sum, account, or value set off against another sum or account, as an equivalent; hence, any thing which is given in exchange or retaliation.

Syn.—See Set-off.