Off"set` (?), n. [Off + set. Cf. Set-off.] In general, that which is set off, from, before, or against, something ; as: --
1. Bot. A short prostrate shoot, which takes root and produces a tuft of leaves, etc. See Illust. of Houseleek.
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.
3. A spur from a range of hills or mountains.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Offset staff Surv., a rod, usually ten links long, used in measuring offsets.
© Webster 1913.
Off*set" (?), v. t. [imp. & p. p. Offset; p. pr. & vb. n. Offsetting.] 1. To set off; to place over against; to balance; as, to offset one account or charge against another.
2. To form an offset in, as in a wall, rod, pipe, etc.
© Webster 1913.
Off"set, v. i. Printing To make an offset.
© Webster 1913. | 
