/ ʃɑːft; NAmE ʃæft/ noun , verb
■ noun
1.
(often in compounds) a long, narrow, usually vertical passage in a building or underground, used especially for a lift / elevator or as a way of allowing air in or out :
a lift / elevator shaft
a mineshaft
a ventilation shaft
2.
the long narrow part of an arrow, hammer , golf club , etc.
3.
(often in compounds) a metal bar that joins parts of a machine or an engine together, enabling power and movement to be passed from one part to another
—see also camshaft , crankshaft
4.
[ usually pl. ] either of the two poles at the front of a carriage or cart between which a horse is fastened in order to pull it
5.
shaft of light, sunlight, etc. ( literary ) a narrow strip of light :
A shaft of moonlight fell on the lake.
( figurative )
a shaft of inspiration
6.
shaft of pain, fear, etc. ( literary ) a sudden strong feeling of pain, etc. that travels through your body :
Shafts of fear ran through her as she heard footsteps behind her.
7.
shaft of sth ( formal ) a clever remark that is intended to upset or annoy sb :
a shaft of wit
•
IDIOMS
- give sb the shaft
■ verb
[ vn ] ( informal ) to treat sb unfairly or cheat them
••
WORD ORIGIN
Old English scæft , sceaft handle, pole , of Germanic origin; related to Dutch schaft , German Schaft , and perhaps also to sceptre . Early senses of the verb ( late Middle English ) were fit with a handle and send out shafts of light .