Chapter Dredger to Drift of D by Webster's Dictionary (1913 Edition)

13. The difference between the size of a bolt and the hole into which it is driven, or between the circumference of a hoop and that of the mast on which it is to be driven.

Drift is used also either adjectively or as the first part of a compound. See Drift, a.

Drift of the forest (O. Eng. Law), an examination or view of the cattle in a forest, in order to see whose they are, whether they are commonable, and to determine whether or not the forest is surcharged. Burrill.

Drift
(Drift), v. i. [imp. & p. p. Drifted; p. pr. & vb. n. Drifting.]

1. To float or be driven along by, or as by, a current of water or air; as, the ship drifted astern; a raft drifted ashore; the balloon drifts slowly east.

We drifted o'er the harbor bar.

Coleridge.

2. To accumulate in heaps by the force of wind; to be driven into heaps; as, snow or sand drifts.

3. (mining) to make a drift; to examine a vein or ledge for the purpose of ascertaining the presence of metals or ores; to follow a vein; to prospect. [U.S.]

Drift
(Drift) v. t.

1. To drive or carry, as currents do a floating body. J. H. Newman.

2. To drive into heaps; as, a current of wind drifts snow or sand.

3. (Mach.) To enlarge or shape, as a hole, with a drift.

Drift
(Drift), a. That causes drifting or that is drifted; movable by wind or currents; as, drift currents; drift ice; drift mud. Kane.

Drift anchor. See Sea anchor, and also Drag sail, under Drag, n. - - Drift epoch (Geol.), the glacial epoch. — Drift net, a kind of fishing net. — Drift sail. Same as Drag sail. See under Drag, n.