*offset*

n. [ Off + set. Cf. Set-off. ] In general, that which is set off, from, before, or against, something; as: -- [ 1913 Webster ]

1. (Bot.) A short prostrate shoot, which takes root and produces a tuft of leaves, etc. See Illust. of Houseleek. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. A sum, account, or value set off against another sum or account, as an equivalent; hence, anything which is given in exchange or retaliation; a set-off. [ 1913 Webster ]

3. A spur from a range of hills or mountains. [ 1913 Webster ]

4. (Arch.) A horizontal ledge on the face of a wall, formed by a diminution of its thickness, or by the weathering or upper surface of a part built out from it; -- called also set-off. [ 1913 Webster ]

5. (Surv.) A short distance measured at right angles from a line actually run to some point in an irregular boundary, or to some object. [ 1913 Webster ]

6. (Mech.) An abrupt bend in an object, as a rod, by which one part is turned aside out of line, but nearly parallel, with the rest; the part thus bent aside. [ 1913 Webster ]

7. (Print.) A more or less distinct transfer of a printed page or picture to the opposite page, when the pages are pressed together before the ink is dry or when it is poor; an unitended transfer of an image from one page to another; called also setoff. [ 1913 Webster +PJC ]

8. See offset printing. [ PJC ]

Offset staff (Surv.), a rod, usually ten links long, used in measuring offsets. [ 1913 Webster ]