Dictionaries of the Scots Language
Dictionars o the Scots Leid

Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)

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First published 1971 (SND Vol. VIII).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.

SHAFT, n.² Gen. in pl.: Sh. and Bwk. variant of Chaft, n., the jaw (Sh. 1866 Edm. Gl., 1914 Angus Gl., Sh. 1970). See S, letter, 6. and P.L.D. §§ 165, 92. Comb. Shaft-blade, jaw-bone.Bwk. 1823 A. Hewit Poems 90:
Wi' gapin' shafts, an' teeth like tether stakes.Bwk. a.1859 P. Landreth J. Spindle (1911) 13:
Ae lick i' the lug an' anither i' the shaft-blade.Bwk. 1877 N. & Q. (5th Ser.) VIII. 413:
There's as guid sheese in Shirset as ever was shou'd wi' shafts.