wing

wing [wiŋ]

n.

[ME winge, weng < ON vaengr (for IE base see WIND²): the word replaced OE fether, wing, FEATHER]

1.

a) either of the two feathered forelimbs of a bird, fully developed for flying, as in most birds, or insufficiently developed for flight and used for balance in running, etc., as in chickens or ostriches, or for swimming, as in penguins or some ducks

b) either of the paired organs of flight of a bat, the lifting surface of which is formed by the membranous skin connecting the long, modified digits

c) either of the paired organs of flight of an insect, light membranous structures that are lateral outgrowths of the thorax supported by a network of veins

d) any of various winglike structures used by certain animals for gliding movements, as the patagium of flying squirrels or the enlarged pectoral fins of flyingfish

2. in art, mythology, etc., either of a pair of winglike structures associated with or attributed to gods, angels, demons, dragons, etc., or used as a symbol of speed or the like

3. something used as or like a wing; esp.,

a) a (or the) main lateral airfoil of an airplane

b) either of the inflatable pouches of a pair of water wings

4. something resembling a wing in position or in relation to the main part; esp.,

a) a part, extension, or annex of a building, with reference to its location at a side of the main part or its specialized use [the east wing, the surgical wing of a hospital]

b) an outlying area, as of an estate

c) either of the two side extensions of the back of a wing chair

d) either part of a double door, screen, etc.

e) any of the sidepieces used in stage scenery; also, either side of the stage out of sight of the audience

f) any winglike anatomical or botanical part, as on some leafstalks or seeds; ala

g) a vane, as of a windmill

h) Brit. FENDER (sense a)

5. a group of persons having a winglike relation to another group or to the entire body; specif.,

a) the section of an army, fleet, etc. to the right (or left) of the center

b) a section or faction, as of a political party, with reference to its radicalism or conservatism

c) an organization affiliated with or subsidiary to a parent organization

6.

a) in hockey and certain other goal games, a position played forward and right (or left) of center

b) the player at such a position

7.

a) any of various units in an air force; specif., in the U.S. Air Force, a unit smaller than a division and larger than an air group

b) [pl.] the insignia worn by pilot and crew of an aircraft, esp. a military aircraft

8. the act of flying, or a means or manner of flying: now chiefly in GIVE WING TO and TAKE WING (see phrases below)

9. anything represented as flying or soaring, or as carrying one to soaring heights of rapture, joy, etc. [on wings of song]

10. Slang

a) a person's arm

☆ b) Baseball a pitcher's throwing arm

vt.

1. to provide with wings

2.

a) to cause to fly or speed as on wings [to wing an arrow at a target]

b) to make (one's way) by flying

c) to pass through or over by or as if by flying

3. to transport by or as by flight

4. to wound, as with a bullet, in the wing, arm, etc.

vi.

to go swiftly on or as on wings; fly

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give wing to or give wings to

to enable to fly or soar on or as if on wings

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on the wing

1. flying, or while in flight

2. in motion or while moving or traveling

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take wing

1. to take flight; fly away

2. to become joyous, jubilant, or enraptured

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under one's wing

under one's protection, patronage, etc.

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waiting in the wings [see WING, n. 4e)]

1. standing offstage and ready to make an entrance

2. ready to enter a situation, be brought to public attention, or undertake a role, position, etc.

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☆ wing it

Informal to act, speak, etc. with little or no planning or preparation; improvise

wingless

adj.