shaft

shaft [shaft, shäft]

n.

[ME schaft < OE sceaft, akin to Ger schaft < IE base * (s)kap-, to cut with a sharp tool > SHAVE, Gr skapos, rod, L scapus, shaft, stalk]

1.

a) the long stem or body of an arrow or spear

b) an arrow or spear

2. a missile or something that seems to be hurled like a missile; bolt [shafts of lightning, derision, etc.]

3. a cone or column of light; ray; beam

4. a long, slender part or object; specif.,

a) Rare the trunk of a tree or stem of a plant

b) the stem or rib of a feather

c) the midsection of a long bone

d) the supporting stem of a branched candlestick

e) a column or obelisk; also, the main, usually cylindrical, part between the ends of a column or pillar; verge: see COLUMN

f) a flagpole

g) a tall, slender building or part of a building; spire

h) a handle, as on some tools or implements

i) either of the two poles between which an animal is harnessed to a vehicle; thill: see HARNESS

j) a bar, usually cylindrical, for supporting or transmitting motion to a wheel, pulley, gear, cam, etc. [the drive shaft of an engine]

5. a long, narrow, vertical or slanting passage sunk into the earth [a mine shaft]

6. a vertical opening passing through the floors of a building, as for an elevator

7. a conduit for air, as used in heating and ventilating

vt.

Slang to cheat, trick, exploit, etc.

to cheat, trick, exploit, etc.

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get the shaft

Slang to be cheated, tricked, etc.

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give someone the shaft

Slang to cheat or trick someone