Shoot (?), n. [F. chute. See Chute. Confused with shoot to let fly.] An inclined plane, either artificial or natural, down which timber, coal, etc., are caused to slide; also, a narrow passage, either natural or artificial, in a stream, where the water rushes rapidly; esp., a channel, having a swift current, connecting the ends of a bend in the stream, so as to shorten the course. [Written also chute, and shute.] [U. S.]
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To take a shoot, to pass through a shoot instead of the main channel; to take the most direct course. [U.S.]
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Shoot, v. i. 1. To cause an engine or weapon to discharge a missile; -- said of a person or an agent; as, they shot at a target; he shoots better than he rides.
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The archers have . . . shot at him. Gen. xlix. 23.
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2. To discharge a missile; -- said of an engine or instrument; as, the gun shoots well.
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3. To be shot or propelled forcibly; -- said of a missile; to be emitted or driven; to move or extend swiftly, as if propelled; as, a shooting star.
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There shot a streaming lamp along the sky. Dryden.
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4. To penetrate, as a missile; to dart with a piercing sensation; as, shooting pains.
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Thy words shoot through my heart. Addison.
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5. To feel a quick, darting pain; to throb in pain.
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These preachers make
His head to shoot and ache. Herbert.
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6. To germinate; to bud; to sprout.
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Onions, as they hang, will shoot forth. Bacon.
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But the wild olive shoots, and shades the ungrateful plain. Dryden.
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7. To grow; to advance; as, to shoot up rapidly.
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Well shot in years he seemed. Spenser.
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Delightful task! to rear the tender thought,
To teach the young idea how to shoot. Thomson.
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8. To change form suddenly; especially, to solidify.
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If the menstruum be overcharged, metals will shoot into crystals. Bacon.
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9. To protrude; to jut; to project; to extend; as, the land shoots into a promontory.
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There shot up against the dark sky, tall, gaunt, straggling houses. Dickens.
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10. (Naut.) To move ahead by force of momentum, as a sailing vessel when the helm is put hard alee.
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To shoot ahead, to pass or move quickly forward; to outstrip others.
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