drift

a horizontal (or nearly horizontal) passageway in a mine

they dug a drift parallel with the vein

the pervading meaning or tenor

caught the general drift of the conversation

a general tendency to change (as of opinion)

not openly liberal but that is the trend of the book

a broad movement of the electorate to the right

a large mass of material that is heaped up by the wind or by water currents

a force that moves something along

the gradual departure from an intended course due to external influences (as a ship or plane)

a process of linguistic change over a period of time

be piled up in banks or heaps by the force of wind or a current

snow drifting several feet high

sand drifting like snow

be subject to fluctuation

The stock market drifted upward

drive slowly and far afield for grazing

drift the cattle herds westwards

cause to be carried by a current

drift the boats downstream

move about aimlessly or without any destination, often in search of food or employment

The gypsies roamed the woods

roving vagabonds