shift Definition

  • Shift ((v. t.))

    To divide; to distribute; to apportion.

  • Shift ((v. t.))

    To change the place of; to move or remove from one place to another; as, to shift a burden from one shoulder to another; to shift the blame.

  • Shift ((v. t.))

    To change the position of; to alter the bearings of; to turn; as, to shift the helm or sails.

  • Shift ((v. t.))

    To exchange for another of the same class; to remove and to put some similar thing in its place; to change; as, to shift the clothes; to shift the scenes.

  • Shift ((v. t.))

    To change the clothing of; -- used reflexively.

  • Shift ((v. t.))

    To put off or out of the way by some expedient.

  • Shift ((v. t.))

    The act of shifting.

  • Shift ((v. t.))

    The act of putting one thing in the place of another, or of changing the place of a thing; change; substitution.

  • Shift ((v. t.))

    Something frequently shifted; especially, a woman's under-garment; a chemise.

  • Shift ((v. t.))

    The change of one set of workmen for another; hence, a spell, or turn, of work; also, a set of workmen who work in turn with other sets; as, a night shift.

  • Shift ((v. t.))

    In building, the extent, or arrangement, of the overlapping of plank, brick, stones, etc., that are placed in courses so as to break joints.

  • Shift ((v. t.))

    A breaking off and dislocation of a seam; a fault.

  • Shift ((v. t.))

    A change of the position of the hand on the finger board, in playing the violin.

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