Crossword Dictionary

What's The Definition Of Sling?

\Sling\, n. [OE. slinge; akin to OD. slinge, D. slinger, OHG. slinga; cf. OF. eslingue, of German origin. See {Sling}, v. t.] 1. An instrument for throwing stones or other missiles, consisting of a short strap with two strings fastened to its ends, or with a string fastened to one end and a light stick to the other. The missile being lodged in a hole in the strap, the ends of the string are taken in the hand, and the whole whirled rapidly round until, by loosing one end, the missile is let fly with centrifugal force. 2. The act or motion of hurling as with a sling; a throw; figuratively, a stroke. The slings and arrows of outrageous fortune. --Shak. At one sling Of thy victorius arm, well-pleasing Son. --Milton. 3. A contrivance for sustaining anything by suspension; as: (a) A kind of hanging bandage put around the neck, in which a wounded arm or hand is supported. (b) A loop of rope, or a rope or chain with hooks, for suspending a barrel, bale, or other heavy object, in hoisting or lowering. (c) A strap attached to a firearm, for suspending it from the shoulder. (d) (Naut.) A band of rope or iron for securing a yard to a mast; -- chiefly in the plural. {Sling cart}, a kind of cart used to transport cannon and their carriages, large stones, machines, etc., the objects transported being slung, or suspended by a chain attached to the axletree. {Sling dog}, one of a pair of iron hooks used as part of a sling. See def. 3 (b) above.
\Sling\, v. t. [imp. {Slung}, Archaic {Slang}; p. p. {Slung}; p. pr. & vb. n. {Slinging}.] [AS. slingan; akin to D. slingeren, G. schlingen, to wind, to twist, to creep, OHG. slingan to wind, to twist, to move to and fro, Icel. slyngva, sl["o]ngva, to sling, Sw. slunga, Dan. slynge, Lith. slinkti to creep.] 1. To throw with a sling. ``Every one could sling stones at an hairbreadth, and not miss.'' --Judg. xx. 16. 2. To throw; to hurl; to cast. --Addison. 3. To hang so as to swing; as, to sling a pack. 4. (Naut) To pass a rope round, as a cask, gun, etc., preparatory to attaching a hoisting or lowering tackle.
\Sling\, n. [Cf. G. schlingen to swallow.] A drink composed of spirit (usually gin) and water sweetened.