Definition of shaft

The word "shaft" has a fascinating history! The term originated from the Old Norse word "skjáta," which means "to strike" or "to pierce." During the 13th century, the word evolved into Middle English as "shaft," describing a wooden beam or a blow. Initially, the term was used in the context of archery, referring to the wooden bow or pole used to propel arrows. Later, the word adopted new meanings, such as a narrow passageway or a central column (as in a building's shaft). In the 17th and 18th centuries, the term gained another meaning – a series of connected gears or wheels in a mechanical system, known as a shaft. Across various languages and contexts, the word "shaft" has undergone transformations, sharing a common root with words like "strike" and "pierce." Today, the term is employed in both literal and figurative senses, encompassing physical structures, mechanical components, and even gestures of aggression.