SHAKEDOWN

shakedown

(adjective) intended to test a new system under operating conditions and to familiarize the operators with the system; “a shakedown cruise”

shakedown

(noun) extortion of money (as by blackmail)

shakedown

(noun) a very thorough search of a person or a place; “a shakedown by the police uncovered the drugs”

shakedown

(noun) initial adjustments to improve the functioning or the efficiency and to bring to a more satisfactory state; “the new industry’s economic shakedown”

Source: WordNet® 3.1

Etymology

Noun

shakedown (plural shakedowns)

(slang) Extortion, especially through blackmail

(slang) A thorough search; a frisk

A trial or test period, especially of a ship or aircraft

An improvised bed.

Adjective

shakedown

that tests the performance of a ship or aircraft

Anagrams

• hawknosed

Source: Wiktionary

Shake"down`, n.

Definition: A temporary substitute for a bed, as one made on the floor or on chairs; -- perhaps originally from the shaking down of straw for this purpose. Sir W. Scott.

Source: Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary 1913 Edition