As a fig tree casteth her untimely figs, when she is shaken of a mighty wind. Rev. vi. 13.

Ascend my chariot; guide the rapid wheels
That shake heaven's basis. Milton.

When his doctrines grew too strong to be shook by his enemies, they persecuted his reputation. Atterbury.

Thy equal fear that my firm faith and love
Can by his fraud be shaken or seduced. Milton.

Shake off the golden slumber of repose. Shak.

'Tis our fast intent
To shake all cares and business from our age. Shak.

I could scarcely shake him out of my company. Bunyan.

To shake a cask (Naut.), to knock a cask to pieces and pack the staves. -- To shake hands, to perform the customary act of civility by clasping and moving hands, as an expression of greeting, farewell, good will, agreement, etc. -- To shake out a reef (Naut.), to untile the reef points and spread more canvas. -- To shake the bells. See under Bell. -- To shake the sails (Naut.), to luff up in the wind, causing the sails to shiver. Ham. Nav. Encyc.

Under his burning wheels
The steadfast empyrean shook throughout,
All but the throne itself of God. Milton.

What danger? Who 's that that shakes behind there? Beau. *** Fl.

Shaking piece, a name given by butchers to the piece of beef cut from the under side of the neck. See Illust. of Beef.

The great soldier's honor was composed
Of thicker stuff, which could endure a shake. Herbert.

Our salutations were very hearty on both sides, consisting of many kind shakes of the hand. Addison.

No great shakes, of no great importance. [Slang] Byron. -- The shakes, the fever and ague. [Colloq. U.S.]