draft

draft · noun

imported

Definitions

noun

  1. 1.

    To prepare a preliminary version of a document.

  2. 2.

    A preliminary version of a piece of writing.

  3. 3.

    Compulsory military service; conscription.

  4. 4.

    To select someone for military service or a sports team.

  5. 5.

    Beer or other beverage drawn from a cask or tap.

  6. 6.

    A current of cool air in a room.

  7. 7.

    (sports) A system for selecting new players for teams.

Forms

plural: drafts

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    rough draft — an early, unpolished version
  • •
    on draft — (of beer) served from a tap

Related words

See also: drafted, draught, outline
Synonyms: conscription, draught (British spelling), outline, sketch

Etymology

From Old English dragan ("to draw, drag"), via Middle English draght. The sense of "drawing" extends to drawing beer, drawing up documents, and drawing people into service.