jackshaft
Americannoun
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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).
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a shaft on which an idle wheel or fairlead turns.
noun
Etymology
Origin of jackshaft
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.
The connection to the outdrive is accomplished with a long jackshaft.
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
Just as important, no clumsy jackshaft is needed.
From Time Magazine Archive
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
This turns two bevel gears, in opposite directions, on a countershaft directly underneath, approximately in the position of the old jackshaft.
From The 1893 Duryea Automobile In the Museum of History and Technology by Berkebile, Donald H.
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
