Take off (?), v. i. 1. to begin a leap from a surface or a flight into the air; especially, (of a bird or an airplane) to leave the ground and begin to fly; as, flight CA123 took off on schedule at 3:00 PM.[PJC]
2. To begin a period of accelerating growth or development; as, the economy took off in the third quarter.[PJC]
3. To begin a journey; to depart.[PJC]
Take off (?), v. t. 1. To remove, as from the surface or outside; to remove from the top of anything; as, to take off a load; to take off one's hat, coat or other article of clothing; to take off a coat of paint from a surface.[1913 Webster +PJC]
2. To cut off; as, to take off the head, or a limb.[1913 Webster]
3. To destroy; as, to take off life.[1913 Webster]
4. To remove; to invalidate; as, to take off the force of an argument.[1913 Webster]
5. To withdraw; to call or draw away. Locke.[1913 Webster]
6. To swallow; as, to take off a glass of wine.[1913 Webster]
7. To purchase; to take in trade. “The Spaniards having no commodities that we will take off.” Locke.[1913 Webster]
8. To copy; to reproduce. “Take off all their models in wood.” Addison.[1913 Webster]
9. To imitate; to mimic; to personate.[1913 Webster]
10. To find place for; to dispose of; as, more scholars than preferments can take off. [R.] Bacon.[1913 Webster]
11. To discount or deduct (from a price); the dealer took off twenty percent on remaining toys.[PJC]