Shāft, n.
n. [A.-S. sceaft, scæft, O. H. Ger. scaft, N. H. Ger. & D. schaft, Dan. & Sw. skaft, Icel. skapt, allied to Lat. scapus, Gr. σκᾰπος, σκῆπτρον.]
Sense 1. A body of a long, cylindrical shape; a stem, stalk, trunk, or the like; the cylindrical, column-shaped part of any thing.
Sense 2. Hence, the stem of an arrow, upon which the feather and head are inserted; hence, an arrow; a missile weapon.
O, many a shaft at random sent Finds mark the archer little meant. Moore.
Sense 3. (Arch.) (a.) The body of a column; the cylindrical pillar between the capital and base. (b.) The part of a chimney above the roof. (c.) The spire of a steeple. Guilt. Peacham.
Sense 4. The handle of a weapon; as, the shaft of a spear.
Sense 5. The stem, or stock, of a feather or quill.
Sense 6. The pole of a carriage; one of the thills of a chaise, gig, or wagon.
Sense 7. (Mach.) A bar having one or more journals on which it rests and revolves, and intended to carry one or more wheels or other revolving parts; as, the shaft of a steam-engine.
Sense 8. (Ornith.) A species of Trochilus, or humming-bird, having a bill twenty lines in length, and two long white feathers in the middle of its tail.
Sense 9. [Up. Ger. schaft, L. & H. Ger. schacht, allied to Gr. σκάπτος, that which is dug, a trench, a pit, σκάπτειν, to dig.] (Mining.) A well-like excavation in the earth, perpendicular or nearly so, made to reach ore, and to raise this to the surface.
Counter shaft, a shaft between the main shafting and a tool or machine, to change or transmit motion; any intermediate shaft between the power and the work. — Shaft of a blast-furnace, the internal cavity of the furnace. — Shaft of a forge-hammer, the helve, or handle. — Shaft of a loom, a thin and long lath at the upper and lower ends of the heddles.