shaft

[[t]ʃæft, ʃɑft[/t]]

n.

1) a long pole forming the body of various weapons, as lances or arrows

2) something directed at someone or something in sharp attack:

shafts of sarcasm[/ex]

3) a ray or beam

4) a long handle serving to balance or manipulate a weapon or tool, as an ax or a golf club

5) mac a rotating or oscillating rod that transmits motion and torque, as a ship's propeller shaft or the drive shaft of an automobile

6) archit.

a) the part of a column or pier between the base and the capital

b) any distinct, slender vertical masonry feature engaged in a wall or pier and usu. supporting an arch or vault

7) archit. a monument in the form of a column, obelisk, or the like

8) either of the parallel bars between which the animal drawing a vehicle is hitched

9) bui any well-like passage or vertical enclosed space, as in a building

10) min a vertical or sloping passageway in a mine that leads to the surface

11) bot the trunk of a tree

12) zool. the main stem or midrib of a feather

13) Slang. harsh or unfair treatment

14) naut. navig. to push or propel with a pole

15) cvb inf Slang. to treat in a harsh or treacherous manner

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Etymology: bef. 1000; ME; OE sceaft, c. OFrissceft, OOHG scaft, ONskaft