draft

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.
• (in full draft mode) Computing a mode of operation of a printer in which text is produced rapidly but with relatively low definition.

• 2 (the draft) compulsory recruitment for military service:25 million men were subject to the draft [as modifier]:draft cards
• a procedure whereby new or existing 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.
• rare a group or individual selected from a larger group for a special duty, e.g., for military service.

• 3 (British draught) a current of cool air in a room or other confined space:heavy curtains at the windows cut out drafts

• 4 (British draught) the action or act of pulling something along, especially a vehicle or farm implement.

• 5a written order to pay a specified sum; a check.

• 6 (British draught) a single act of drinking or inhaling:she downed the remaining beer in one draft
• the amount swallowed or inhaled in a single act of drinking or inhaling:he took deep drafts of oxygen into his lungs

• 7 (British draught) the depth of water needed to float a ship:the shallow draft enabled her to get close to shore

• 8 (British draught) the drawing in of a fishing net.
• the fish taken at one drawing; a catch.

verb

• 1prepare a preliminary version of (a text):I drafted a letter of resignation

• 2select (a person or group of people) for a certain purpose:he was drafted to help with the task force on best safety practices
• conscript (someone) for military service.
• select (a player) for a sports team through the draft.

• 3pull or draw.

• 4 [no object] Auto Racing benefit from reduced wind resistance by driving very closely behind another vehicle.

adjective

• 1denoting beer or other drink that is kept in and served from a barrel or tank rather than from a bottle or can:draft beer

• 2denoting an animal used for pulling heavy loads:draft oxen