| • | The slender, smooth stem of an arrow; hence, an arrow. | 
											
															| • | The long handle of a spear or similar weapon; hence, the
   weapon itself; (Fig.) anything regarded as a shaft to be thrown or
   darted; as, shafts of light. | 
											
															| • | That which resembles in some degree the stem or handle of an
   arrow or a spear; a long, slender part, especially when cylindrical. | 
											
															| • | The trunk, stem, or stalk of a plant. | 
											
															| • | The stem or midrib of a feather. | 
											
															| • | The pole, or tongue, of a vehicle; also, a thill. | 
											
															| • | The part of a candlestick which supports its branches. | 
											
															| • | The handle or helve of certain tools, instruments, etc., as
   a hammer, a whip, etc. | 
											
															| • | A pole, especially a Maypole. | 
											
															| • | The body of a column; the cylindrical pillar between the
   capital and base (see Illust. of Column). Also, the part of a chimney
   above the roof. Also, the spire of a steeple. | 
											
															| • | A column, an obelisk, or other spire-shaped or columnar
   monument. | 
											
															| • | A rod at the end of a heddle. | 
											
															| • | A solid or hollow cylinder or bar, having one or more
   journals on which it rests and revolves, and intended to carry one or
   more wheels or other revolving parts and to transmit power or motion;
   as, the shaft of a steam engine. | 
											
															| • | A humming bird (Thaumastura cora) having two of the tail
   feathers next to the middle ones very long in the male; -- called also
   cora humming bird. | 
											
															| • | A well-like excavation in the earth, perpendicular or nearly
   so, made for reaching and raising ore, for raising water, etc. | 
											
															| • | A long passage for the admission or outlet of air; an air
   shaft. | 
											
															| • | The chamber of a blast furnace. |