Draught (?), n. [The same as draft, the spelling with gh indicating an older pronunciation. See Draft, n., Draw.] 1. The act of drawing or pulling; as: (a) The act of moving loads by drawing, as by beasts of burden, and the like.
A general custom of using oxen for all sort of draught would be, perhaps, the greatest improvement.
Sir W. Temple.
(b) The drawing of a bowstring. [Obs.]
She sent an arrow forth with mighty draught.
Spenser.
(c) Act of drawing a net; a sweeping the water for fish.
Upon the draught of a pond, not one fish was left.
Sir M. Hale.
(d) The act of drawing liquor into the mouth and throat; the act of drinking.
In his hands he took the goblet, but a while the draught forbore.
Trench.
(e) A sudden attack or drawing upon an enemy. [Obs.]
By drawing sudden draughts upon the enemy when he looketh not for you.
Spenser.
(f) (Mil.) The act of selecting or detaching soldiers; a draft (see Draft, n., 2) (g) The act of drawing up, marking out, or delineating; representation. Dryden.