Graft , n. [Prob. orig.
so called because illegitimate or improper profit was looked upon as a graft, or sort of excrescence, on a legitimate business undertaking,
in distinction from its natural proper development.]
1. Acquisition of money, position, etc., by dishonest or unjust means, as by actual
theft or by
taking advantage of a public office or any
position of trust or employment to obtain fees, perquisites, profits on contracts, legislation, pay for work
not done or
service not performed, etc.;
illegal or unfair practice for profit or
personal advantage; also, anything thus gained. [Colloq.]
2.
A "soft thing" or "easy thing;" a
"snap." [Slang]
Graft , v. i. To insert scions from one tree, or kind of tree,
etc., into another; to practice grafting.
Graft , v. t. [imp. & p. p. Grafted;
p. pr. & vb. n.
Grafting.]
[F.
greffer. See Graft, n.]
1. To insert (a graft) in a branch or stem of another tree; to propagate by insertion in another stock; also, to insert a graft upon. [Formerly written graff.]
2. (Surg.)
To implant a portion of
(living flesh or akin) in a lesion so as to form an organic union.
3. To join (one thing) to another as if
by grafting, so as to bring about a
close union.
And graft
my love immortal on thy fame !
Pope. 4. (Naut.)
To cover, as a ring bolt, block strap, splicing, etc., with a weaving of
small cord or rope- yarns.
Graft (?), n. [OE. graff, F. greffe, originally the same word as
OF. grafe pencil, L. graphium, Gr. &?;, &?;, fr. &?; to write; prob. akin to E. carve. So named from the resemblance of a scion or shoot to a pointed pencil. Cf. Graphic, Grammar.]
(a) A small shoot or scion of a tree inserted in another tree, the stock of
which is to
support and nourish it. The two unite
and become one tree, but
the graft determines the kind of fruit. (b)
A branch or portion of
a tree growing from such a shoot. (c)
(Surg.) A portion
of living tissue used in the operation of autoplasty.
Hear it pronounced