Crossword Dictionary

What's The Definition Of Offset?

\Off"set`\, n. [Off + set. Cf. {Set-off}.] In general, that which is set off, from, before, or against, something; as: 1. (Bot.) A short prostrate shoot, which takes root and produces a tuft of leaves, etc. See Illust. of {Houseleek}. 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. 3. A spur from a range of hills or mountains. 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}. 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. 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. 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. {Offset staff} (Surv.), a rod, usually ten links long, used in measuring offsets.
\Off*set"\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Offset}; p. pr. & vb. n. {Offsetting}.] 1. To set off; to place over against; to balance; as, to offset one account or charge against another. 2. To form an offset in, as in a wall, rod, pipe, etc.
\Off"set\, v. i. (Printing) To make an offset.