shakedown

• shake-down

From the verb phrase shake down. An improvised bed would originally have been made by shaking down straw.

shakedown (plural shakedowns)

1. (slang) Extortion, especially through blackmail

   What is this, a shakedown?

2. (slang) A thorough search; a frisk
3. A trial or test period, especially of a ship or aircraft
4. An improvised bed.
   • 1915, W.S. Maugham, "Of Human Bondage":

     "You'd better lie down for a bit. I expect you're about done up." -- "There's nowhere for me to lie down, sir," he answered, and there was in his voice a humbleness which was very distressing. -- "Don't you know anyone in the house who'll give you a shakedown?" -- "No, sir."

shakedown

1. that tests the performance of a ship or aircraft

• hawknosed