1. A method used in quarrying to obtain large, regular blocks of building stones; a row of holes is drilled, either by hand or by pneumatic drills, close to each other so that a longitudinal crevice is formed into which a gently sloping steel wedge is driven, and the block of stone can be detached without shattering.

2. The act of changing the course of a borehole by using a deflecting wedge.

3. The lodging of two or more wedge-shaped pieces of core inside a core barrel, and therefore blocking it.

4. The material, moss, or wood used to render the shaft lining tight.