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draft

draft /dræft/

nounadjectiveverbC1GRETOEFL

historicalagriculturaltechnical

An animal used for pulling heavy loads, vehicles, or agricultural implements.

Specifically denotes physical pulling power (e.g., draft horses, draft oxen, draft dogs) as opposed to riding or racing.

The story behind the word. Draft comes directly from Old English 'dragan', which means to draw or haul heavy weight. It shares its origin with the word 'draw'—a draft animal literally 'draws' the plow or heavy wagon behind it.

Word relationships

beast of burden: A beast of burden carries loads on its back or pulls them, whereas draft specifies pulling heavy loads.

racehorse: A racehorse is bred for speed, whereas a draft animal is bred for strength and pulling power.

Commonly confused with

drift: Drift means wandering aimlessly, while draft involves pulling steady weight forward.

Word family

drag (verb): To pull along the ground.
dray (noun): A heavy low cart pulled by draft horses.

Collocations

draft animal
draft horse
draft power
draft dog

Idioms & expressions

draft animal
pack and draft

Example sentences

"Breeds like the Clydesdale and Percheron were developed primarily as draft horses capable of hauling massive timber logs." Agricultural history
"In alpine regions, Bernese Mountain Dogs historically served as draft animals pulling milk carts to local markets." Canine working history

Memory hook

DRAFT animals DRAgg and DRAW heavy loads. Draft = Pulling heavy loads.

When not to use

Do not confuse with a preliminary written essay (draft) or military conscription (draft), though they share historical roots.

Fun facts

A single draft horse can pull up to twice its own body weight on wheels, and a pair can pull up to three times their combined weight.