n. shafts collectively; a system of connected shafts for communicating motion
the GNU version of the Collaborative International Dictionary of English
n. Shafts, collectivelly; a system of connected shafts for communicating motion.
The Century Dictionary and Cyclopedia
n. In mach; the system of shafts which connects machinery with the prime mover, and through which motion is communicated to the former by the latter. See shaft, 4 .
n. A darkening of the shaft, or quill of a feather, as in some breeds of poultry.
Word Usage
"There was no choice as there was nothing else available, and while I admit to toying with the idea of shafting one of the lieutenants or captains with my halfway machine and taking his, I couldn't quite see that."