driftage

American  

[drif-tij] / ˈdrɪf tɪdʒ /

noun

1. the action or an amount of drifting.

2. drifted matter.

3. Navigation. the amount of drift away from a set course as a result of wind and currents.

4. windage.

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driftage British  

/ ˈdrɪftɪdʒ /

noun

1. the act of drifting

2. matter carried along or deposited by drifting

3. the amount by which an aircraft or vessel has drifted from its intended course

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Etymology

Origin of driftage

First recorded in 1760–70; drift + -age

Example Sentences

The caverns themselves may be divided into those of residence, of sepulture, and of driftage, though one cavern has often successively assumed two at least of these characters.

From The Origin of the World According to Revelation and Science by Dawson, John William

The beach contained quite a bit of driftage, and some old timbers we knew were from a wreck.

From Fire Mountain A Thrilling Sea Story by Springer, Norman

Also they were scrubs—the dirty driftage of the fight game, without honor, without efficiency.

From The Night-Born by London, Jack

I tell you this vagrant fisherman, this wandering preacher, this piece of driftage from Galilee, commanded me. 

From The Jacket (Star-Rover) by London, Jack

Experience has given directions for its use, avoiding some of the grosser causes of error from driftage and other causes.

From The Story of the Atlantic Telegraph by Field, Henry M. (Henry Martyn)