Bolt (�), n. [AS. bolt; akin to Icel. bolti, Dan. bolt, D. bout, OHG. bolz, G. bolz, bolzen; of uncertain origin.] 1. A shaft or missile intended to be shot from a crossbow or catapult, esp. a short, stout, blunt-headed arrow; a quarrel; an arrow, or that which resembles an arrow; a dart.
Look that the crossbowmen lack not bolts.
Sir W. Scott.
A fool's bolt is soon shot.
Shak.
2. Lightning; a thunderbolt.
3. A strong pin, of iron or other material, used to fasten or hold something in place, often having a head at one end and screw thread cut upon the other end.
4. A sliding catch, or fastening, as for a door or gate; the portion of a lock which is shot or withdrawn by the action of the key.
5. An iron to fasten the legs of a prisoner; a shackle; a fetter.
Away with him to prison!
lay bolts enough upon him.
Shak.
6. A compact package or roll of cloth, as of canvas or silk, often containing about forty yards.
7. A bundle, as of oziers.
Bolt auger, an auger of large size; an auger to make holes for the bolts used by shipwrights. — Bolt and nut, a metallic pin with a head formed upon one end, and a movable piece (the nut) screwed upon a thread cut upon the other end. See B, C, and D, in illust. above.
See Tap bolt, Screw bolt, and Stud bolt.