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Webster 1913 Edition


Shifting

Shift′ing

,
Adj.
1.
Changing in place, position, or direction; varying; variable; fickle;
as,
shifting
winds;
shifting
opinions or principles
.
2.
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
.
Shifting locomotive
.
See
Switching engine
, under
Switch
.

Webster 1828 Edition


Shifting

SHIFT'ING

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

Definition 2024


shifting

shifting

English

Noun

shifting (plural shiftings)

  1. A shift or change; a shifting movement.
    • Charles Lamb
      I remember the last time I saw Macbeth played, the discrepancy I felt at the changes of garment which he varied, the shiftings and reshiftings, like a Romish priest at mass.
    • 1978, Jack Vance, The View from Chickweed's Window
      Then everyone moved at the same time — slight shiftings of the hands and feet, furtive easings of position.

Derived terms

  • gear-shifting

Verb

shifting

  1. present participle of shift