*take-off*

n. 1. An imitation, especially in the way of caricature; -- used with of or on; as, the comedian did a hilarious takeoff on the president. [ 1913 Webster +PJC ]

2. The spot at which one takes off; specif., the place from which a jumper rises in leaping. [ Webster 1913 Suppl. ]

The take-off should be selected with great care, and a pit of large dimensions provided on the landing side. Encyc. of Sport. [ Webster 1913 Suppl. ]

3. The beginning of a leap from a surface or a flight into the air, especially the process or event of an airplane leaving the ground and beginning its flight; as, the takeoff of flight CA123 was scheduled for 3:00 PM. [ PJC ]