draught

Everyday

1. (UK) A current of cold air coming into a room: There's a draught from the window. tree →
2. (UK, draughts) A board game for two players with round flat pieces, called checkers in the US; a draught is one piece. tree →
3. A drink taken in one go or a big swallow: a long draught of water. tree →
4. (adjective) Beer served from a barrel, not a bottle: draught beer. tree →
5. The depth of water a ship needs to float. tree →

In the lessons

In everyday life in the UK, Ireland, Australia and New Zealand you «keep out the draught» with a draught excluder; children play draughts; in science a draught shows warm and cold air moving. Phrases: «a draught excluder», «play draughts», «feel a draught».

Examples

• Close the door, there's a draught! tree →
• We played draughts on a rainy afternoon. tree →
• Grandma put a draught excluder by the door. tree →
• He took a long draught of cold water. tree →
• I've got 7 draughts left and you have 5. tree →
• Cold draughts make the house hard to heat. tree →
• "Moisten my tongue--bring me a refreshing draught." tree →

Note

Say «draft». UK spelling «draught»; American spelling «draft» for air and drink, and Americans call the game «checkers». Do not confuse with «drought» (no rain for a long time, said «drowt»). «Draft» is also a first version of writing in all countries.

In Jewish tradition

After Jehu destroyed Baal's temple it was turned into a latrine, the greatest shame for a false god's house.

Interpretation. Tradition reads this as showing how complete and disgraceful the end of idol worship is.

Examples

• And they broke down the pillar of Baal, and broke down the house of Baal, and made it a draught-house, unto this day. (Prophets 2KI.10.27, JPS 1917) tree →

Note

Say «draft». UK spelling «draught»; American spelling «draft» for air and drink, and Americans call the game «checkers». Do not confuse with «drought» (no rain for a long time, said «drowt»). «Draft» is also a first version of writing in all countries.