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Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)

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About this entry:
First published 1971 (SND Vol. VIII). Includes material from the 2005 supplement.
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.

SHAFT, v.2 To shake, brandish (the fists, a weapon, etc.) (Ork. 1970). Pa.t. ¶shaft.Ork. 1700 W. R. Mackintosh Curious Incidents (1892) 98:
You did shaft your fist or nive att his face.
Ork. 1908 Old-Lore Misc. I. vi. 223:
He waas shaftin 'is nave an' daaran ane tae try an' lay a fing-er api' 'im.
Ork. 1929 E. Linklater White Maa's Saga 76:
Peerie John and shaft his naves at him.
Ork. 1931 J. Leask Peculiar People 134:
Shaftan 'er exe at dem.

[Poss. altered from Norw. k(j)afsa to move the hands about, grab, snatch, kava, toss about. See note to cave v.1. For sh see S, letter, 6. (1) (ii).]

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