targetn.[OF. targette, dim. of OF. & F. targe, of Teutonic origin; cf. AS. targe, OD. targie, G. zarge a frame, case, border, OHG. zarga, Icel. targa shield.]1. A kind of small shield or buckler, used as a defensive weapon in war.()2. A butt or mark to shoot at, as for practice, or to test the accuracy of a firearm, or the force of a projectile.()3. (Surveying) The sliding crosspiece, or vane, on a leveling staff.()4. (Railroad) A conspicuous disk attached to a switch lever to show its position, or for use as a signal.()5. A thin cut; a slice; specif., of lamb, a piece consisting of the neck and breast joints.()6. A tassel or pendent; also, a shred; tatter.()7. A goal for an activity; as, the target of this year's fundraising drive is 2 million dollars.()8. A metallic object toward which a beam of electrons is aimed in a tube designed to generate X-rays; when the electrons strike the target, the impact causes emission of X-rays.()9. Any object toward which a beam of photons, a laser beam, an electron beam, or a beam of atomic or subatomic particles is aimed.()10. A person who is the subject of criticism or ridicule.()