The Collaborative International Dictionary
Bolt \Bolt\, n. [AS. bolt; akin to Icel. bolti, Dan. bolt, D. bout, OHG. bolz, G. bolz, bolzen; of uncertain origin.]
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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.
Look that the crossbowmen lack not bolts.
--Sir W. Scott.A fool's bolt is soon shot.
--Shak. Lightning; a thunderbolt.
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.
A sliding catch, or fastening, as for a door or gate; the portion of a lock which is shot or withdrawn by the action of the key.
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An iron to fasten the legs of a prisoner; a shackle; a fetter. [Obs.]
Away with him to prison! lay bolts enough upon him.
--Shak. A compact package or roll of cloth, as of canvas or silk, often containing about forty yards.
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A bundle, as of oziers.
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.
Note: See Tap bolt, Screw bolt, and Stud bolt.