Historical literature allows contemporaries to learn something about the life of their ancestors, while fiction provides an opportunity to plunge into the world of adventure and feel like heroes. And both formats open for a person a world of entertaining terms that are not so easy to hear in the 21st century. Are you studying heraldry or trying to reproduce the weapon of your favorite character? You will definitely come across the definition of “shaft”. This simple word often causes considerable difficulties. Where did it come from and in what situations is it appropriate?
Slavic etymology
You can track the origin of the root. Superficial morphemic analysis instantly leads to concepts:
The first is considered relevant today, while the second has long since become obsolete. And here lies a key nuance! From Old Slavonic “tree” is translated into Russian as “stick”. And the studied term is only a word form with a diminutive suffix -k-.
Many forms
What does the speaker mean? In various dictionaries, the definition for a pole varies. Initially, they had in mind a long pole of circular cross section, to which is attached:
- the canvas of the flag, banner, other distinctive sign;
- metal elements of spears, hooks, arrows, other weapons.
The original product was wooden, from where the name came from, but today the choice is much richer. As a basis, take:
- metals and alloys;
- composite materials;
- plastic;
- cardboard, etc.
There is no reference to the degree of processing. Could not find a carefully polished, absolutely even and perfectly proportioned pole? In this case, they can take the first stick or cut a branch. The only condition is that the improvised support must reliably connect with the fastened element and conveniently lie in the hand of the standard bearer or warrior. And for state symbols on the walls of the fortresses often used full thick bars.
Household version
However, the original interpretation has existed for many years, and a huge number of instruments have this shaft. Partial rapprochement with the "handle, handle" occurs. Suitable for items such as:
- shovel;
- ax;
- pitchfork, etc.
Therefore, if suddenly under the supervision of a specialist you get acquainted with carpentry or housekeeping in a village, be guided by the name: what to grab at to not spoil anything.
Everyday communication
If you are not a standard bearer, do not engage in archery and, in principle, prefer to stay away from tools, do not worry. The concept is specific, more often appears in the framework of sports and army events, but even there it has a very narrow scope. Record it in your memory so that, on occasion, you can understand what they are talking about and, with the help of a little historical background, show your erudition!