[f. the vbl. phrase to throw off (THROW v. 42).] a. Fox-hunting. The throwing-off of the hounds, the start of a hunt; by extension, of a race; hence, a start generally. b. A shaking off, getting rid of or free from. c. A mechanism by which some part of a machine is disconnected, or its action suspended. d. That which is thrown off; something produced or given off, an offshoot.
1859. Palmerston, in Lucas, Ld. Glenesk (1910), 147. The throw-off is awkward, beginning with the insignificant word ‘in.’
1864. Webster, Throw-off, a start in a hunt or race.
1864. Gd. Words, 104/2. These millions, these atoms of life—they are a free throw off from the Creative Beneficence.
1873. Punch, 13 Sept., 107/1. Whither I had driven in order to see the throw-off.
1886. J. M. Caulfeild, Seamanship Notes, 3. Parts of the Capstan,… bar pins, throw off, spindle,… entablature.
1889. Nature, 22 Aug., 393/1. No micro-seismic shock can ever take place otherwise than as a throw-off from some violent disturbance more or less remotely located.
1891. Melbourne Punch, 4 June, 377/2. I received an invitation to see the throw off of the Ballarat hounds in the afternoon.
