in general, that which is set off, from, before, or against, something-a short prostrate shoot, which takes root and produces a tuft of leaves, etc. see illust. of houseleek.-a sum, account, or value set off against another sum or account, as an equivalent; hence, anything which is given in exchange or retaliation; a set-off.-a spur from a range of hills or mountains.-a horizontal ledge on the face of a wall, formed by a diminution of its thickness, or by the weathering or upper surface of a part built out from it; -- called also set-off.-a short distance measured at right angles from a line actually run to some point in an irregular boundary, or to some object.-an abrupt bend in an object, as a rod, by which one part is turned aside out of line, but nearly parallel, with the rest; the part thus bent aside.-a more or less distinct transfer of a printed page or picture to the opposite page, when the pages are pressed together before the ink is dry or when it is poor.-of offset-to set off; to place over against; to balance; as, to offset one account or charge against another.-to form an offset in, as in a wall, rod, pipe, etc.-to make an offset.