Definify.com

Webster 1913 Edition

Adj.

Changing in place, position, or direction; varying; variable; fickle;

as,

shifting

winds;

shifting

opinions or principles

Adapted or used for shifting anything.

Shifting backstays

(Naut.)

temporary stays that have to be let go whenever the vessel tacks or jibes.

–

Shifting ballast

ballast which may be moved from one side of a vessel to another as safety requires.

–

Shifting center

See

–

Shifting locomotive

See

Switching engine

, under

ppr.

Changing place or position; reporting from one expedient to another.