Draught

/dræft/ noun

Definition

A current of cold air moving through a room or space; also a British spelling of 'draft' used in beverages and other contexts.

Etymology

From Old English 'dræht,' related to 'dragon' meaning 'to drag.' The word originally described something being drawn or pulled, then came to mean air being drawn through a space, and also liquid drawn from a barrel.

Kelly Says

The British spelling 'draught' for a drink on tap, and American 'draft' for the same thing, reveal a linguistic split—but medieval people would recognize both as describing something 'drawn' from its source, whether air or ale.

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