SH'AFT, n. L. scapus from the root of shape, from setting, or shooting, extending.
1. An arrow a missile weapin as the archer and the shaft.
So loftly was the pile, a Parthian bow
Whith vigor drawn must send the shaft below. Dryden.
2. In mining, a pit or long narrow opening or entrance into a mine. This may possibly be a different word, as in German it is written schacht, Dan. skaegte.
3. In architecture, the shaft of a column is the body of it, between the base and the capital.
4. Any thing straight as the shaft of a steeple, and many other things.
5. The stem or stock of a fether or quill.
6. The pole of a carriage, sometimes called tongue or neap. The thills of a chaise or geg are also called shafts.
7. The handle of a weapon.
The King James Bible has stood its ground for nearly 400 years. However, during that time the English language has changed, and with it the meanings of some words it used. Here are more than 6,500 words whose definitions have changed since 1611.Wikipedia
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