Overshot
Overshot turns up in 2 fields: textiles, mechanical. Here is what it means to the people in each one.
Overshot in textiles
A weaving technique where supplemental weft threads float over a plain weave ground.
A traditional weaving structure where a secondary, often thicker weft yarn floats over a plain weave background to create geometric patterns. The structural integrity comes from the plain weave base, while the floating yarns provide the decorative design. It is historically associated with heavy coverlets and geometric drafts.
"I'm threading the loom for a traditional overshot pattern using wool over a cotton ground."
Overshot in mechanical
Describing a waterwheel driven by water falling onto its upper paddles or buckets.
An overshot configuration harnesses both the kinetic energy of the flowing water and the gravitational potential energy of its weight. Water is channeled to the top of the wheel, filling buckets that pull the wheel downward as they descend. This design is significantly more efficient than an undershot wheel but requires a substantial head of water to function.
"The old mill uses an overshot wheel because the steep terrain provides a good ten-foot drop from the flume."