Definition of tilt

The word "tilt" has its roots in Old English and dates back to around the 9th century. Initially, it meant "to turn or slope" and was often used to describe the angle or direction of something. Over time, the meaning of "tilt" expanded to include other nuances, such as "to lean or incline" or "to move or shift slightly." In the 14th century, the term "tilt" gained popularity in the context of sports and games, particularly the game of archery. A "tilt" referred to the back-and-forth motion of drawing the bowstring. This usage eventually gave rise to the concept of a "jousting tilt," which was a tournament or competition where knights would engage in a flurry of attacks and defense. Today, the word "tilt" has a broader range of meanings, including "to adjust or manipulate" something, often in a specific context, such as a video game or a mechanical device. However, its core connotation of movement or shift remains as it has throughout its history.