sling

sling

sling¹ [sliŋ]

n.

[ME slinge < the v.]

1.

a) a primitive instrument for throwing stones, etc., consisting of a piece of leather tied to cords that are whirled by hand for releasing the missile

☆ b) SLINGSHOT

2. the act of throwing with or as with a sling; cast; throw; fling

3.

a) a looped or hanging band, strap, etc. used in raising and lowering a heavy object or for carrying, supporting, or steadying something [a rifle sling]

b) a wide piece of cloth suspended from the neck and looped under an injured arm for support

4. a rope or chain for supporting a yard

5. a woman's open-heeled slipper having a strap across the top of the heel: also sling-back

vt.

slung, slinging [ME slingen, prob. < ON slyngva, to throw, akin to OE & OHG slingan, to twist oneself, worm along < IE base * slenk-, to twist, turn, creep > SLINK¹, Lith slenkù, to creep]

1. to throw (stones, etc.) with a sling

2. to throw, cast, fling, or hurl

3. to place, carry, raise, lower, etc. in a sling

4. to hang loosely or in a sling; suspend (a hammock, etc.), esp. by several attachments

sling² [sliŋ]

n.

[< ?]

an alcoholic drink made with gin, rum, brandy, whiskey, etc., water or soda water, sugar, and, usually, lemon juice