noun

draft

Translation

draft, draught, conscription

I wrote the first draft of my essay.

Can you feel that draft from the window?

Can you feel that draught from the window?

He was worried about the military draft.

((a/the ~ of sth.)) a preliminary version of sth. I read the first draft of his new novel.

((a/the ~)) a current of cool air. Can you close the door? There's a draught.

Synonyms: outline, sketch, breeze, conscription

From Old English 'dragan' meaning 'to pull' or 'to draw'. This relates to 'drawing up' a document or air being 'drawn' in.

Note the spelling difference: 'draft' (AmE for air current) vs 'draught' (BrE). Think of 'drawing' up a plan (a draft).