Emily Dickinson Lexicon

SHIFT, v.t.

1. To change; to alter; as, to shift the scenes.
2. To transfer from one place or position to another; as, shift the helm; shift the sails.
3. To put out of the way by some expedient. I shifted him away. Shak.
4. To change, as clothes; as, to shill a coat.
5. To dress in fresh clothes. Let him have time to shift himself. To shift about, to turn quite round, to a contrary side or opposite point. To shift off, to delay; to defer; as, to shift off the duties of religion. Rogers. #2. To put away; to disengage or disencumber one's self, as of a burden or inconvenience.