† ˈprick-shaft Obs.
An arrow or ‘shaft’ for shooting at the ‘prick’ (prick n. 10).
| 1538 in Priory of Hexham (Surtees) I. App. p. clxiv, My bowe and my qwyver with prike shaftes. 1541 Act 33 Hen. VIII, c. 9 §2 Noe person above the saide age of xxiiij yeres shall shoote at any marke of xj score yardes or under, withe anye prickshafte or fleight. 1551 Turner Herbal i. F v b, Flechers make prykke shaftes of byrche because it is heuier than espe is. 1633 Rowley Match at Midnight ii. i. in Hazl. Dodsley XIII. 39 Why, to shoot at butts, when you should use prick-shafts. |