Shake \Shake\, n.
   1. The act or result of shaking; a vacillating or wavering
      motion; a rapid motion one way and other; a trembling,
      quaking, or shivering; agitation.
      [1913 Webster]

            The great soldier's honor was composed
            Of thicker stuff, which could endure a shake.
                                                  --Herbert.
      [1913 Webster]

            Our salutations were very hearty on both sides,
            consisting of many kind shakes of the hand.
                                                  --Addison.
      [1913 Webster]

   2. A fissure or crack in timber, caused by its being dried
      too suddenly. --Gwilt.
      [1913 Webster]

   3. A fissure in rock or earth.
      [1913 Webster]

   4. (Mus.) A rapid alternation of a principal tone with
      another represented on the next degree of the staff above
      or below it; a trill.
      [1913 Webster]

   5. (Naut.) One of the staves of a hogshead or barrel taken
      apart. --Totten.
      [1913 Webster]

   6. A shook of staves and headings. --Knight.
      [1913 Webster]

   7. (Zool.) The redshank; -- so called from the nodding of its
      head while on the ground. [Prov. Eng.]
      [1913 Webster]

   No great shakes, of no great importance. [Slang] --Byron.

   The shakes, the fever and ague. [Colloq. U.S.]
      [1913 Webster]