‖n. [ G. Cf. -grave. ] A German title of nobility, equivalent to earl in English, or count in French. See Earl. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. [ OE. grafe, greife, greive. Cf. Margrave. ] A steward; an overseer. [ 1913 Webster ]

[ A prince ] is nothing but a servant, overseer, or graff, and not the head, which is a title belonging only to Christ. John Knox. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. & v. See Graft. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. [ Cf. Grave, n. ] The scarp of a ditch or moat. “To clean the graffages.” Miss Mitford. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. [ See Greffier. ] (Law.) a notary or scrivener. Bouvier. [ 1913 Webster ]

‖n. pl. [ It., pl. of graffito scratched ] 1. Inscriptions, figure drawings, etc., found on the walls of ancient sepulchers or ruins, as in the Catacombs, or at Pompeii. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. any writings or drawings on a surface in a public place, placed there without authorization of the owner of the object on which it is written. Such graffiti are usually unwelcome, and are considered as form of vandalism. [ PJC ]

n. [ It., fr. graffio a scratching. ] 1. (Art) Production of decorative designs by scratching them through a surface of layer plaster, glazing, etc., revealing a different-colored ground; also, pottery or ware so decorated; -- chiefly used attributively. [ Webster 1913 Suppl. ]

2. the singular form of graffiti, seldom used. [ PJC ]

n. [ OE. graff, F. greffe, originally the same word as OF. grafe pencil, L. graphium, Gr. &unr_;, &unr_;, fr. &unr_; to write; prob. akin to E. carve. So named from the resemblance of a scion or shoot to a pointed pencil. Cf. Graphic, Grammar. ] (a) A small shoot or scion of a tree inserted in another tree, the stock of which is to support and nourish it. The two unite and become one tree, but the graft determines the kind of fruit. (b) A branch or portion of a tree growing from such a shoot. (c) (Surg.) A portion of living tissue used in the operation of autoplasty. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. [ Prob. orig. so called because illegitimate or improper profit was looked upon as a graft, or sort of excrescence, on a legitimate business undertaking, in distinction from its natural proper development. ] 1. Acquisition of money, position, etc., by dishonest or unjust means, as by actual theft or by taking advantage of a public office or any position of trust or employment to obtain fees, perquisites, profits on contracts, legislation, pay for work not done or service not performed, etc.; illegal or unfair practice for profit or personal advantage; also, anything thus gained. [ Colloq. ] [ Webster 1913 Suppl. ]

2. A “soft thing” or “easy thing;” a “snap.” [ Slang ] [ Webster 1913 Suppl. ]

v. t. [ imp. & p. p. Grafted; p. pr. & vb. n. Grafting. ] [ F. greffer. See Graft, n. ] 1. To insert (a graft) in a branch or stem of another tree; to propagate by insertion in another stock; also, to insert a graft upon. [ Formerly written graff. ] [ 1913 Webster ]

2. (Surg.) To implant a portion of (living flesh or akin) in a lesion so as to form an organic union. [ 1913 Webster ]

3. To join (one thing) to another as if by grafting, so as to bring about a close union. [ 1913 Webster ]

And graft my love immortal on thy fame ! Pope. [ 1913 Webster ]

4. (Naut.) To cover, as a ring bolt, block strap, splicing, etc., with a weaving of small cord or rope-yarns. [ 1913 Webster ]