GNU Collaborative International Dictionary of English
last match results
Found 2 definitions
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Offset (?), n. [Off + set. Cf. Set-off.] In general, that which is set off, from, before, or against, something; as: --
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1. (Bot.) A short prostrate shoot, which takes root and produces a tuft of leaves, etc. See Illust. of Houseleek.
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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.
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3. A spur from a range of hills or mountains.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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; an unitended transfer of an image from one page to another; called also setoff.
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8. See offset printing.
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Offset staff (Surv.), a rod, usually ten links long, used in measuring offsets.
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Set-off (?), n. [Set + off.]
1. That which is set off against another thing; an offset.
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I do not contemplate such a heroine as a set-off to the many sins imputed to me as committed against woman. D. Jerrold.
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2. That which is used to improve the appearance of anything; a decoration; an ornament.
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3. (Law) A counterclaim; a cross debt or demand; a distinct claim filed or set up by the defendant against the plaintiff's demand.
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☞ Set-off differs from recoupment, as the latter generally grows out of the same matter or contract with the plaintiff's claim, while the former grows out of distinct matter, and does not of itself deny the justice of the plaintiff's demand. Offset is sometimes improperly used for the legal term set-off. See Recoupment.
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4. (Arch.) Same as Offset, n., 4.
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5. (Print.) See Offset, 7.
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Syn. -- Set-off, Offset. -- Offset originally denoted that which branches off or projects, as a shoot from a tree, but the term has long been used in America in the sense of set-off. This use is beginning to obtain in England; though Macaulay uses set-off, and so, perhaps, do a majority of English writers.
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