ˈɔfset n. & v. --n. 1 a side-shoot
from a
plant serving for propagation. 2 an
offshoot or
scion. 3 a
compensation; a
consideration or
amount diminishing or neutralizing
the effect of a
contrary one. 4 Archit. a sloping
ledge in a
wall etc.
where the
thickness of the
part above is
diminished. 5 a mountain-spur. 6 a bend in a
pipe etc. to
carry it
past an
obstacle. 7 (often attrib.) a
method of
printing in
which ink is transferred from a
plate or
stone to a
uniform rubber
surface and from
there to
paper etc. (offset litho). 8 Surveying a
short distance measured perpendicularly from the main line of
measurement. --v.tr. (-setting; past and past part. -set) 1
counterbalance,
compensate. 2
place out of line. 3
print by the offset process.