draft
UK[drɑːft]US[dræft]
n
A preliminary version of a piece of writing
n
Compulsory recruitment for military service
n
A current of cool air in a room or other confined space
v
To prepare a preliminary version of a text or plan
v
To select someone for a particular purpose or duty, especially for military service
Etymology
The word 'draft' originates from the Old English 'dragan', meaning 'to draw or pull'. This core concept of pulling or drawing forth gave rise to a family of related meanings. In Middle English, it evolved into 'draught', referring to the act of drawing, a drawn load, a plan drawn up, or a gulp of drink drawn in. The modern spelling 'draft' emerged as a phonetic variant in the 16th century, initially used in specific senses like a military detachment 'drawn' from troops. Over time, 'draft' specialized in meanings involving preliminary plans (drawn up), selective conscription (drawing people into service), and air currents (air drawn through a space), while 'draught' retained other senses, illustrating a fascinating divergence from a single, concrete root action.
Analysis
The modern English word 'draft' is a simplex form. It is a phonetic respelling of the earlier English word 'draught', which itself evolved from Old English 'dreaht', 'dræht', related to 'dragan' meaning 'to draw, pull'.
Examples
The author completed the first draft of her novel in three months.
During the war, he was afraid he would be drafted into the army.
Please close the window; there's a cold draft in here.