GRAFT • FREE TRANSLATOR.ORG • Definition of Graft

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/græft/ Listen

noun

Graft n.

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.

A branch or portion of a tree growing from such a shoot.

(Surg.) A portion of living tissue used in the operation of autoplasty.

Graft n.

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.)

A "soft thing" or "easy thing;" a "snap." (Slang)

verb

Graft v. t. (past & past part. grafted; pres. part. grafting)

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)

(Surg.) To implant a portion of (living flesh or akin) in a lesion so as to form an organic union.

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!"

(Naut.) To cover, as a ring bolt, block strap, splicing, etc., with a weaving of small cord or rope-yarns.

Graft v. i. To insert scions from one tree, or kind of tree, etc., into another; to practice grafting.

See images of 'Graft'

Etymology of 'Graft'

Collaborative International Dictionary of English 0.48

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"Graft" Quotes from Famous Books

... growing, too, upon his own land; but were, however surprized to find it upon level ground, after we had been told it grew only upon the north side of Stony Mountains. I carried home this treasure with as much joy as if every root had been a graft of the Tree of Life, and washed and dried it carefully. This airing made us as hungry as so many hawks, so that between appetite and a very good dinner, 'twas difficult to eat like a philosopher. In the afternoon the ladies walked ...

— The Best of the World's Classics, Restricted to Prose, Vol. IX (of X) - America - I • Various

... experienced the disappointment and demoralization of camp life. The letters written by many of these soldiers show that they did not falter at active campaigning. The prospect, however, of remaining in camp with insufficient rations, and (to use a modern expressive word) graft on every hand, completely disheartened and disgusted many of them. Many having influence with members of Congress, contrived to get discharges; others lacking this influence deserted. To fill the constantly diminishing ranks caused by deaths, ...

— Great Fortunes from Railroads • Gustavus Myers

... "More professional graft," complained Ted. He was only joking but Tony with her sharpened sight knew that it was thin ice for Larry and suspected he had non-professional reasons for wanting Ruth alone in the canoe with him that night. Poor Larry! It was all a horrible tangle, just as her affair ...

— Wild Wings - A Romance of Youth • Margaret Rebecca Piper

... career he had many opportunities to make a great deal of money by allying himself with crooked, sneaking, unscrupulous politicians. He had all sorts of opportunities for political graft. But crookedness never had any attraction for him. He refused to be a party to any political jobbery, any underhand business. He preferred to lose any position he was seeking, to let somebody else have it, if he must get smirched in the getting it. He ...

— Pushing to the Front • Orison Swett Marden

... biggest producer in the country, the beef folk in Chicago 'll beat you down to their price, and the automobile folk will cut the ground clear from under your horses' feet. You won't hit Congress, because you won't have the dollars to buy your graft with. Then, when you're left with nothing to round-up but a bunch of gophers, the government will come along and have you ...

— The One-Way Trail - A story of the cattle country • Ridgwell Cullum

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