driftage

American  

[drif-tij] / ˈdrɪf tɪdʒ /

noun

1. the action or an amount of drifting.

2. drifted matter.

3. Navigation. the amount of drift away from a set course as a result of wind and currents.

4. windage.

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driftage British  

/ ˈdrɪftɪdʒ /

noun

1. the act of drifting

2. matter carried along or deposited by drifting

3. the amount by which an aircraft or vessel has drifted from its intended course

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Etymology

Origin of driftage

First recorded in 1760–70; drift + -age

Example Sentences

The flat-boat that was moored down at Galpin's "dock"—four railroad ties roped together—was none too substantial looking, having been built by Galpin himself from odds and ends picked up from scrap heaps and driftage.

From Boy Scouts of the Air on Lost Island by Stuart, Gordon

Also they were scrubs—the dirty driftage of the fight game, without honor, without efficiency.

From The Night-Born by London, Jack

Experience has given directions for its use, avoiding some of the grosser causes of error from driftage and other causes.

From The Story of the Atlantic Telegraph by Field, Henry M. (Henry Martyn)

The marls must have been formed largely by the driftage of sand and clay, while some of the limestone was6 produced by accumulation of corals and shells.

From The Chain of Life in Geological Time A Sketch of the Origin and Succession of Animals and Plants by Dawson, Sir J. William

My father's resting-place had not been invaded by the imperious flood, although a line of driftage, in a zigzag swath, lay near the mound.

From Erema — My Father's Sin by Blackmore, R. D. (Richard Doddridge)