[f. WIND sb.1 + -AGE.]
1. An allowance of space (for expansion of gas in firing) between the inner wall of a fire-arm and the shot or shell with which it is charged: measured by the difference of the diameters of the bore and the shot.
1710. J. Harris, Lex. Techn., II.
1778. Hutton, in Phil. Trans., LXVIII. 84. It would also be an improvement to diminish the windage; for by so doing, one third or more of the quantity of powder might be saved.
1860. Abp. Thomson, Laws Th., § 117. 238. The windage of a loose ball in the barrel of the piece.
2. Allowance made (esp. in shooting) for deflection from the direct course by the wind; such deflection itself.
1867. Morning Star, 30 July, 6. At half-past nine the firing commenced … but with a breeze almost too strong for accurate aiming, and considerable ‘windage’ was required.
1891. Conan Doyle, White Company, iv. ‘Seven yards windage, Hal,’ said one.
1897. A. C. Pemberton, et al., Complete Cyclist, iii. 78. This will prove quite sufficient, and save a good deal of windage.
1898. Westm. Gaz., 26 May, 4/1. [Yachts in which] an innovation is made … giving a maximum of head room with a minimum of windage.
3. = WIND sb.1 13; also, the friction of the air upon a moving part of a machine.
1889. Buck’s Handbk. Med. Sci., VIII. 11/1. To support the idea of injuries from the ‘windage’ or balls.
1903. Nature, 29 Oct., 635/1. The power wasted by the windage of fly-wheel and dynamo armatures.
