As a fig tree casteth her untimely figs, when she is
shaken of a mighty wind. --Rev. vi. 13.
Ascend my chariot; guide the rapid wheels That shake
heaven's basis. --Milton.
2. Fig.: To move from firmness; to weaken the stability of;
to cause to waver; to impair the resolution of.
When his doctrines grew too strong to be shook by
his enemies, they persecuted his reputation.
--Atterbury.
Thy equal fear that my firm faith and love Can by
his fraud be shaken or seduced. --Milton.
3. (Mus.) To give a tremulous tone to; to trill; as, to shake
a note in music.
4. To move or remove by agitating; to throw off by a jolting
or vibrating motion; to rid one's self of; -- generally
with an adverb, as off, out, etc.; as, to shake fruit down
from a tree.
Shake off the golden slumber of repose. --Shak.
'Tis our fast intent To shake all cares and business
from our age. --Shak.
I could scarcely shake him out of my company.
--Bunyan.
{To shake a cask} (Naut.), to knock a cask to pieces and pack
the staves.
{To shake hands}, to perform the customary act of civility by
clasping and moving hands, as an expression of greeting,
farewell, good will, agreement, etc.
{To shake out a reef} (Naut.), to untile the reef points and
spread more canvas.
{To shake the bells}. See under {Bell}.
{To shake the sails} (Naut.), to luff up in the wind, causing
the sails to shiver. --Ham. Nav. Encyc.