Entry Word: shaft

Function: noun

Meaning: 1 a narrow sharply defined line of light radiating from an object <shafts of late-afternoon sunlight pierced the blinds and streaked the floor>

Synonyms beam, ray

Related Words moonbeam, sunbeam; laser, spotlight

2 a weapon with a long straight handle and sharp head or blade <the footmen set their shafts so as to form a bank of steel against the enemyʼs charging cavalry> — see spear