Bolt

Bolt Bolt, n. [AS. bolt; akin to Icel. bolti, Dan. bolt, D. bout, OHG. bolz, G. bolz, bolzen; of uncertain origin.] 1. A shaft or missile intended to be shot from a crossbow or catapult, esp. a short, stout, blunt-headed arrow; a quarrel; an arrow, or that which resembles an arrow; a dart. [1913 Webster]

Look that the crossbowmen lack not bolts. --Sir W. Scott. [1913 Webster]

A fool's bolt is soon shot. --Shak. [1913 Webster]

2. Lightning; a thunderbolt. [1913 Webster]

3. A strong pin, of iron or other material, used to fasten or hold something in place, often having a head at one end and screw thread cut upon the other end. [1913 Webster]

4. A sliding catch, or fastening, as for a door or gate; the portion of a lock which is shot or withdrawn by the action of the key. [1913 Webster]

5. An iron to fasten the legs of a prisoner; a shackle; a fetter. [Obs.] [1913 Webster]

Away with him to prison! lay bolts enough upon him. --Shak. [1913 Webster]

6. A compact package or roll of cloth, as of canvas or silk, often containing about forty yards. [1913 Webster]

7. A bundle, as of oziers. [1913 Webster]

{Bolt auger}, an auger of large size; an auger to make holes for the bolts used by shipwrights.

{Bolt and nut}, a metallic pin with a head formed upon one end, and a movable piece (the nut) screwed upon a thread cut upon the other end. See B, C, and D, in illust. above. [1913 Webster]

Note: See {Tap bolt}, {Screw bolt}, and {Stud bolt}. [1913 Webster]