draught Meaning, Definition & Usage

Draught noun

Etymology

The same as draft, the spelling with gh indicating an older pronunciation. See Draft, n., Draw.

Definitions

1. The act of drawing or pulling; as: (a) The act of moving loads by drawing, as by beasts of burden, and the like.

   A general custom of using oxen for all sort of draught would be, perhaps, the greatest improvement. Sir W. Temple.

   (b) The drawing of a bowstring. Obs.

   She sent an arrow forth with mighty draught. Spenser.

   (c) Act of drawing a net; a sweeping the water for fish.

   Upon the draught of a pond, not one fish was left. Sir M. Hale.

   (d) The act of drawing liquor into the mouth and throat; the act of drinking.

   In his hands he took the goblet, but a while the draught forbore. Trench.

   (e) A sudden attack or drawing upon an enemy. Obs.

   By drawing sudden draughts upon the enemy when he looketh not for you. Spenser.

   (f) (Mil.) The act of selecting or detaching soldiers; a draft (see Draft, n., 2) (g) The act of drawing up, marking out, or delineating; representation. Dryden.
2. That which is drawn; as: (a) That which is taken by sweeping with a net.

   Launch out into the deep, and let down your nets for a draught. Luke v. 4.

   He laid down his pipe, and cast his net, which brought him a very great draught. L'Estrange.

   (b) (Mil.) The force drawn; a detachment; -- in this sense usually written draft. (c) The quantity drawn in at once in drinking; a potion or potation.

   Disguise thyself as thou wilt, still, Slavery, . . . still thou art a bitter draught. Sterne.

   Low lies that house where nut-brown draughts inspired. Goldsmith.

   (d) A sketch, outline, or representation, whether written, designed, or drawn; a delineation.

   A draught of a Toleration Act was offered to the Parliament by a private member. Macaulay.

   No picture or draught of these things from the report of the eye. South.

   (e) (Com.) An order for the payment of money; -- in this sense almost always written draft. (f) A current of air moving through an inclosed place, as through a room or up a chimney. Thackeray.

   He preferred to go and sit upon the stairs, in . . . a strong draught of air, until he was again sent for. Dickens.

3. That which draws; as: (a) A team of oxen or horses. Blackstone. (b) A sink or drain; a privy. Shak. Matt. xv. 17. (c) pl. (Med.) A mild vesicatory; a sinapism; as, to apply draughts to the feet
4. Capacity of being drawn; force necessary to draw; traction.

   The Hertfordshire wheel plow . . . is of the easiest draught. Mortimer.

5. (Naut.) The depth of water necessary to float a ship, or the depth a ship sinks in water, especially when laden; as, a ship of twelve feet draught.
6. (Com.) An allowance on weighable goods. Eng. See Draft, #4
7. A move, as at chess or checkers. Obs. Chaucer.
8. The bevel given to the pattern for a casting, in order that it may be drawn from the sand without injury to the mold.
9. (Masonry) See Draft, n., #7

Draught adjective

Definitions

1. Used for drawing vehicles, loads, etc.; as, a draught beast; draught hooks.
2. Relating to, or characterized by, a draft, or current of air.
3. Used in making drawings; as, draught compasses.
4. Drawn directly from the barrel, or other receptacle, in distinction from bottled; on draught; -- said of ale, cider, and the like. ✍ This word, especially in the first and second meanings, is often written draft, a spelling which is approved by many authorities.

Draught transitive verb

Wordforms

imperfect & past participle Draughted; present participle & verbal noun Draughting

Definitions

1. To draw out; to call forth. See Draft. Addison.
2. To diminish or exhaust by drawing. R.

   The Parliament so often draughted and drained. Sir W. Scott.

3. To draw in outline; to make a draught, sketch, or plan of, as in architectural and mechanical drawing.