(1) A construction term relating to the reduction of the thickness of a wall, or any recess or sunken panel of the wall. (2) A legal term meaning a counter demand to a claim. In condemnation, the benefits to the remaining property in a partial taking may in some jurisdictions be “set-off” against the value of the land taken. Example: part of land taken for a freeway; residue now more valuable because of freeway. Increased value is “set-off” against value of land taken.