DRIFT (2)

Drift, v. i. [imp. & p. p. Drifted; p. pr. & vb. n. Drifting.] 1. 1. To float or be driven along by, or as by, a current of water or air; as, the ship drifted astern; a raft drifted ashore; the balloon drifts slowly east.
We drifted o'er the harbor bar. Coleridge. 2. 2. To accumulate in heaps by the force of wind; to be driven into heaps; as, snow or sand drifts.
3. 3. (mining) to make a drift; to examine a vein or ledge for the purpose of ascertaining the presence of metals or ores; to follow a vein; to prospect.