shakedown Meaning, Definition & Usage
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noun initial adjustments to improve the functioning or the efficiency and to bring to a more satisfactory state
- the new industry's economic shakedown
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noun a very thorough search of a person or a place
- a shakedown by the police uncovered the drugs
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noun extortion of money (as by blackmail)
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adjective intended to test a new system under operating conditions and to familiarize the operators with the system
- a shakedown cruise
WordNet
Shake"down` noun
Definitions
A temporary substitute for a bed, as one made on the floor or on chairs; -- perhaps originally from the shaking down of straw for this purpose. Sir W. Scott.shake down, v. t. subject to extortion.
