Some this, some that, as that him liketh shift.
Chaucer.
2. To make a change or changes; to change position; to move; to veer;
to substitute one thing for another; -- used in the various senses of
the transitive verb.
The sixth age shifts Into the lean and slippered pantaloon.
Shak.
Here the Baillie shifted and fidgeted about in his seat.
Sir W. Scott.
3. To resort to expedients for accomplishing a purpose; to contrive; to
manage.
Men in distress will look to themselves, and leave their companions
to shift as well as they can.
L'Estrange.