shakedown meaning and definition

SHAKEDOWN noun

Definition of shakedown (noun)

1. initial adjustments to improve the functioning or the efficiency and to bring to a more satisfactory state
   • "the new industry's economic shakedown"
2. a very thorough search of a person or a place
   • "a shakedown by the police uncovered the drugs"
3. extortion of money (as by blackmail)

SHAKEDOWN adjective

Definition of shakedown (adjective)

1. intended to test a new system under operating conditions and to familiarize the operators with the system
   • "a shakedown cruise"