draft

 
Pronunciation: /drɑːft/

noun

  • 1a preliminary version of a piece of writing: the first draft of the party’s manifesto [as modifier]: a draft document
  • a plan, sketch, or rough drawing: a manuscript draft representing the explorer’s latest findings
  • [mass noun] Computing a mode of operation of a printer in which text is produced rapidly but with relatively low definition.
  • 2a written order to pay a specified sum.
  • 3 (the draft) US compulsory recruitment for military service: 25 million men were subject to the draft
  • North American a procedure whereby sports players are made available for selection or reselection by the teams in a league, usually with the earlier choices being given to the weaker teams: the White Sox chose him in the 13th round of the 1990 draft
  • rare a group or individual selected from a larger group for a special duty, e.g. for military service: the draft and I were sent to the barracks near Folkestone

verb

[with object]
  • 1prepare a preliminary version of (a document): I drafted a letter of resignation
  • 2select (a person or group of people) and bring them somewhere for a certain purpose: riot police were drafted in to break up the blockade
  • US conscript (someone) for military service: he was drafted in 1938
  • North American select (a player) for a sports team through the draft: he was drafted by Winnipeg and traded the following spring

adjective

Derivatives

drafter

noun

Origin:

mid 16th century: phonetic spelling of draught

Do not confuse draft with draught. Draft means 'a first version of a piece of writing' or 'make a first version of a piece of writing' ( I drafted a letter of complaint), whereas draught chiefly means 'a current of air' ( heavy curtains cut out draughts). Draft is the American spelling for both senses.