Britannica English: Translation of the tree for Arabic speakers n. 1) a written legal document such as a contract, lease, deed, will or deposit. 2) An object used to perform a task or action, from a surgeon`s scalpel to any hard thing used in an attack (a blunt instrument). „Shaft.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/shaft. Retrieved 12 November 2022. These sample phrases are automatically selected from various online information sources to reflect the current use of the word „shaft”. The views expressed in the examples do not represent the views of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us your feedback. A formal or legal written document; a written document, such as a deed, lease, obligation, contract or will. A writing that serves as proof of a person`s right to collect money, such as a cheque. Middle English, Old English sceaft; similar to Old High German scaft schaft, Latin scapus shaft, rod, Greek skÄptesthai to support, thin INSTRUMENT, contracts.
Scripture, which contains some agreement and is so called because it was prepared as a reminder of what happened or was agreed. The agreement and the instrument in which it is contained are very different things, the latter being only proof of the existence of the former. The instrument or form of the contract may be valid, but the contract itself may be void due to fraud. See Ayl. Parerg. 305; Dunl. Announcement. Pr. 220. before the 12th century in the sense 1a(1).