Graft, n. [Prob. orig. so called because
illegitimate or improper profit was looked upon as a graft, or
sort of excrescence, on a legitimate business undertaking, in
distinction from its natural proper development.] 1.
Acquisition of money, position, etc., by dishonest or unjust
means, as by actual theft or by taking advantage of a public office or
any position of trust or employment to obtain fees, perquisites,
profits on contracts, legislation, pay for work not done or service
not performed, etc.; illegal or unfair practice for profit or personal
advantage; also, anything thus gained. [Colloq.]
2. A "soft thing" or "easy thing;" a
"snap." [Slang]
Graft (?), n. [OE. graff, F.
greffe, originally the same word as OF. grafe pencil,
L. graphium, Gr. &?;, &?;, fr. &?; to write; prob. akin to E.
carve. So named from the resemblance of a scion or shoot to a
pointed pencil. Cf. Graphic, Grammar.]
(a) A small shoot or scion of a tree inserted in
another tree, the stock of which is to support and nourish it. The
two unite and become one tree, but the graft determines the kind of
fruit. (b) A branch or portion of a tree
growing from such a shoot. (c) (Surg.)
A portion of living tissue used in the operation of
autoplasty.
Graft, v. t. [imp. & p.
p. Grafted; p. pr. & vb. n.
Grafting.] [F. greffer. See Graft,
n.] 1. To insert (a graft) in
a branch or stem of another tree; to propagate by insertion in
another stock; also, to insert a graft upon. [Formerly written
graff.]
2. (Surg.) To implant a portion of
(living flesh or akin) in a lesion so as to form an organic
union.
3. To join (one thing) to another as if by
grafting, so as to bring about a close union.
And graft my love immortal on thy fame
!
Pope.
4. (Naut.) To cover, as a ring bolt,
block strap, splicing, etc., with a weaving of small cord or rope-
yarns.
Graft, v. i. To insert scions from
one tree, or kind of tree, etc., into another; to practice
grafting.
Graft, n. [Prob. orig. so called because
illegitimate or improper profit was looked upon as a graft, or
sort of excrescence, on a legitimate business undertaking, in
distinction from its natural proper development.] 1.
Acquisition of money, position, etc., by dishonest or unjust
means, as by actual theft or by taking advantage of a public office or
any position of trust or employment to obtain fees, perquisites,
profits on contracts, legislation, pay for work not done or service
not performed, etc.; illegal or unfair practice for profit or personal
advantage; also, anything thus gained. [Colloq.]
2. A "soft thing" or "easy thing;" a
"snap." [Slang]
