Shaft

shaft, n. A body of a long cylindrical shape; the cylindrical, column-shaped part of anything; the stem of an arrow; an arrow; a mi ile weapon. (Arch.) The body of a column; the part of a chimney above the roof; spire of a steeple. The handle of a weapon; the stem, or stock, of a feather or quill; the pole or one of the thills of a carriage. (Macfi.) A bar having one or more journal:, on which rests and revolves. (Mining.) A well-like excavation in the earth, through which the inner cavity of a mine reached and the ore brought to the surface. [ME. and G. schaft, an arrow, AS. sceaft, D. schacht, shaft of a spear, dart, AS. scafan, schaven, to shave, smooth; shape, shave.) — Shafting, n. (Mach.) The system of shafts, with pulleys attached, for the transmi ion of power in factories.