offset staff

1 definition found

offset staff - Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 :

  Offset \Off"set`\, n. [Off + set. Cf. Set-off.]
     In general, that which is set off, from, before, or against,
     something; as: 
     [1913 Webster]
  
     1. (Bot.) A short prostrate shoot, which takes root and
        produces a tuft of leaves, etc. See Illust. of
        Houseleek.
        [1913 Webster]
  
     2. A sum, account, or value set off against another sum or
        account, as an equivalent; hence, anything which is given
        in exchange or retaliation; a set-off.
        [1913 Webster]
  
     3. A spur from a range of hills or mountains.
        [1913 Webster]
  
     4. (Arch.) A horizontal ledge on the face of a wall, formed
        by a diminution of its thickness, or by the weathering or
        upper surface of a part built out from it; -- called also
        set-off.
        [1913 Webster]
  
     5. (Surv.) A short distance measured at right angles from a
        line actually run to some point in an irregular boundary,
        or to some object.
        [1913 Webster]
  
     6. (Mech.) An abrupt bend in an object, as a rod, by which
        one part is turned aside out of line, but nearly parallel,
        with the rest; the part thus bent aside.
        [1913 Webster]
  
     7. (Print.) A more or less distinct transfer of a printed
        page or picture to the opposite page, when the pages are
        pressed together before the ink is dry or when it is poor;
        an unitended transfer of an image from one page to
        another; called also setoff.
        [1913 Webster +PJC]
  
     8. See offset printing.
        [PJC]
  
     Offset staff (Surv.), a rod, usually ten links long, used
        in measuring offsets.
        [1913 Webster]