Off·set n.  In general, that which is set off, from, before, or against, something; as: --
 1. Bot. A short prostrate shoot, which takes root and produces a tuft of leaves, etc. See Illust. of Houseleek.
 2. A sum, account, or value set off against another sum or account, as an equivalent; hence, anything which is given in exchange or retaliation; a set-off.
 3. A spur from a range of hills or mountains.
 4. Arch. A horizontal ledge on the face of a wall, formed by a diminution of its thickness, or by the weathering or upper surface of a part built out from it; -- called also set-off.
 5. Surv. A short distance measured at right angles from a line actually run to some point in an irregular boundary, or to some object.
 6. Mech. An abrupt bend in an object, as a rod, by which one part is turned aside out of line, but nearly parallel, with the rest; the part thus bent aside.
 7. Print. A more or less distinct transfer of a printed page or picture to the opposite page, when the pages are pressed together before the ink is dry or when it is poor; an unitended transfer of an image from one page to another; called also setoff.
 Offset staff Surv., a rod, usually ten links long, used in measuring offsets.