bolt

/bɒlt/ · noun

Meaning

A (usually) metal fastener consisting of a cylindrical body that is threaded, with a larger head on one end. It can be inserted into an unthreaded hole up to the head, with a nut then threaded on the other end; a heavy machine screw.
A sliding pin or bar in a lock or latch mechanism.
A bar of wood or metal dropped in horizontal hooks on a door and adjoining wall or between the two sides of a double door, to prevent the door(s) from being forced open.
A sliding mechanism to chamber and unchamber a cartridge in a firearm.
A small personal-armour-piercing missile for short-range use, or (in common usage though deprecated by experts) a short arrow, intended to be shot from a crossbow or a catapult.
A lightning spark, i.e., a lightning bolt.
To connect or assemble pieces using a bolt.
To secure a door by locking or barring it.
To flee, to depart, to accelerate suddenly.
To cause to start or spring forth; to dislodge (an animal being hunted).
To strike or fall suddenly like a bolt.
To escape.
Suddenly; straight; unbendingly.
A sieve, especially a long fine sieve used in milling for bolting flour and meal; a bolter.
To sift, especially through a cloth.
To sift the bran and germ from wheat flour.
To separate, assort, refine, or purify by other means.
To discuss or argue privately, and for practice, as cases at law.

No prose etymology has been added yet.

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