In mining law. An underground passage driven horizontally along the course of a mineralized vein or approximately so. Distinguished from “shaft” which is an opening made at the surface and extending downward into the earth vertically, or nearly so, upon the vein or intended to reach it; and from “tunnel,” which is a lateral or horizontal passage underground intended to reach the vein or mineral deposit where drifting may begin. Jurgenson Y. Diller, 114 Cal. 491, 46 Pac. 610,55 Am. St Rep. 83.
In old English law. A driving, especially of cattle. Driftland, drofland, or dryfland. A Saxon word, signifying a tribute or yearly payment made by some tenants to the king, or their landlords, for driving their cattle through a manor to fairs or markets. Cowell. Drifts of the forest. A view or examination of what cattle are in a forest, chase, etc., that it may be known whether it be surcharged or not; and whose the beasts are, and whether they are commonable. These drifts are made at certain times in the year by the officers of the forest, when all cattle are driven into some pound or place inclosed, for the before-mentioned purposes, and also to discover whether any cattle of strangers be there, which ought not to common. Manwood, p. 2, c. 15. Driftway. A road or way over which cattle are driven. 1 Taunt. 279. Smith v. Ladd, 41 Me. 314.