from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Bolt \Bolt\, n. [AS. bolt; akin to Icel. bolti, Dan. bolt, D.
bout, OHG. bolz, G. bolz, bolzen; of uncertain origin.]
1. A shaft or missile intended to be shot from a crossbow or
catapult, esp. a short, stout, blunt-headed arrow; a
quarrel; an arrow, or that which resembles an arrow; a
dart.
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Look that the crossbowmen lack not bolts. --Sir W.
Scott.
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A fool's bolt is soon shot. --Shak.
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2. Lightning; a thunderbolt.
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3. A strong pin, of iron or other material, used to fasten or
hold something in place, often having a head at one end
and screw thread cut upon the other end.
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4. A sliding catch, or fastening, as for a door or gate; the
portion of a lock which is shot or withdrawn by the action
of the key.
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5. An iron to fasten the legs of a prisoner; a shackle; a
fetter. [Obs.]
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Away with him to prison!
lay bolts enough upon him. --Shak.
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6. A compact package or roll of cloth, as of canvas or silk,
often containing about forty yards.
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7. A bundle, as of oziers.
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{Bolt auger}, an auger of large size; an auger to make holes
for the bolts used by shipwrights.
{Bolt and nut}, a metallic pin with a head formed upon one
end, and a movable piece (the nut) screwed upon a thread
cut upon the other end. See B, C, and D, in illust. above.
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Note: See {Tap bolt}, {Screw bolt}, and {Stud bolt}.
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