'No great shakes' definitions:

Definition of 'No great shakes'

From: GCIDE
  • Shake \Shake\, n.
  • 1. The act or result of shaking; a vacillating or wavering motion; a rapid motion one way and other; a trembling, quaking, or shivering; agitation. [1913 Webster]
  • The great soldier's honor was composed Of thicker stuff, which could endure a shake. --Herbert. [1913 Webster]
  • Our salutations were very hearty on both sides, consisting of many kind shakes of the hand. --Addison. [1913 Webster]
  • 2. A fissure or crack in timber, caused by its being dried too suddenly. --Gwilt. [1913 Webster]
  • 3. A fissure in rock or earth. [1913 Webster]
  • 4. (Mus.) A rapid alternation of a principal tone with another represented on the next degree of the staff above or below it; a trill. [1913 Webster]
  • 5. (Naut.) One of the staves of a hogshead or barrel taken apart. --Totten. [1913 Webster]
  • 6. A shook of staves and headings. --Knight. [1913 Webster]
  • 7. (Zool.) The redshank; -- so called from the nodding of its head while on the ground. [Prov. Eng.] [1913 Webster]
  • No great shakes, of no great importance. [Slang] --Byron.
  • The shakes, the fever and ague. [Colloq. U.S.] [1913 Webster]