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jackshaft

American  
[jak-shaft, -shahft] / ˈdʒækˌʃæft, -ˌʃɑft /

noun

Machinery.
  1. Also called countershaft. a short shaft, connected by belting, gears, etc., that transmits motion from a motor or engine to a machine or machines being driven (distinguished from main shaft).

  2. a shaft on which an idle wheel or fairlead turns.


jackshaft British  
/ ˈdʒækˌʃɑːft /

noun

  1. a short length of shafting that transmits power from an engine or motor to a machine

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of jackshaft

First recorded in 1895–1900; jack 1 + shaft


Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

See Examples For:

The jackshaft places the engine in the center of the boat away from the transom, improving performance and clearing the stern area for fishing.

From Time Magazine Archive

The connection to the outdrive is accomplished with a long jackshaft.

From Time Magazine Archive

Just as important, no clumsy jackshaft is needed.

From Time Magazine Archive

With either power plant, the engine is separated from the sterndrive by a jackshaft, thus allowing the iron to be placed farther forward.

From Time Magazine Archive

Accordingly, he purchased from the Pope Manufacturing Company a very light unit of the type formerly used on Columbia tricycles, and installed it somewhere on the jackshaft.

From The 1893 Duryea Automobile In the Museum of History and Technology by Donald H. Berkebile

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