To take off Meaning, Definition & Usage

. (a) To remove, as from the surface or outside; to remove from the top of anything; as, to take off a load; to take off one's hat. (b) To cut off; as, to take off the head, or a limb . (c) To destroy; as, to take off life . (d) To remove; to invalidate; as, to take off the force of an argument . (e) To withdraw; to call or draw away . Locke. (f) To swallow; as, to take off a glass of wine. (g) To purchase; to take in trade . "The Spaniards having no commodities that we will take off." Locke. (h) To copy; to reproduce. "Take off all their models in wood." Addison. (i) To imitate; to mimic; to personate. (k) To find place for; to dispose of; as, more scholars than preferments can take off. R. Bacon. to begin to fly; said of an airplane, or of a person operating an airplane or other flying device.