Lexic.us

Definition of Shakedown

1. Adjective. Intended to test a new system under operating conditions and to familiarize the operators with the system. "A shakedown cruise"

2. Noun. Initial adjustments to improve the functioning or the efficiency and to bring to a more satisfactory state. "The new industry's economic shakedown"

3. Noun. A very thorough search of a person or a place. "A shakedown by the police uncovered the drugs"

4. Noun. Extortion of money (as by blackmail).

Definition of Shakedown

1. n. A temporary substitute for a bed, as one made on the floor or on chairs; -- perhaps originally from the shaking down of straw for this purpose.

Definition of Shakedown

1. Noun. (slang) Extortion, especially through blackmail ¹

2. Noun. (slang) A thorough search; a frisk ¹

3. Noun. A trial or test period, especially of a ship or aircraft ¹

4. Noun. An improvised bed. ¹

5. Adjective. that tests the performance of a ship or aircraft ¹

¹ Source: wiktionary.com

Definition of Shakedown

1. [n -S]

Lexicographical Neighbors of Shakedown

shake map shake maps shake off shake on it shake one's head shake out shake over shake table shake tables shake test

shake the pagoda tree shake up shakeable shaked shakedown shakedowns shakefork shakeforks shakehole shakeholes

shakemap shakemaps shaken shaken baby syndrome shaken one's head shaken out shakenness shakeout shakeouts

Literary usage of Shakedown

Below you will find example usage of this term as found in modern and/or classical literature:

1. Driftwood of the Stage by William Ellis Horton (1904)
"As the showman cannot stop for a single day without damaging his prestige and canceling valuable dates, he pays up, and calls it a "shakedown" on his ledger ..."

2. Sword and Pen ; Or, Ventures and Adventures of Willard Glazier ... in War by John Algernon Owens (1881)
"The "shakedown" at Edwards.— —Intoxicated by tobacco fumes.—The return ride.—Landed in n snow-bank.—Good-bye horses and sleigh I—Plodding through the mow. ..."

3. About Stage Folks by William Ellis Horton (1902)
"THE "Shakedown." ON the ledgers of most of the traveling companies, will be found a curious item of expense, which to the profession, ..."

4. Sword and Pen: Or, Venture and Adventures of Willard Glazier, in War and by John Algernon Owens, Hubbard brothers (1892)
"The "shakedown" at Edwards.— —Intoxicated by tobacco fumes.—The return ride.—Landed in a snow-bank.—Good-bye horses and sleigh !—Plodding through the snow. ..."

Other Resources: