Sling
Pronunciation
- IPA: /ˈslɪŋ/
- US IPA: /ˈsliËÅ‹/
- Rhymes: -ɪŋ
Origin
Probably from Old Norse slyngja, slyngva ("to hurl"), from Proto-Germanic *slingwaną ("to worm, twist") (compare Old English slingan ("to wind, twist"), German schlingen ("to swing, wind, twist"), Danish slynge), from Proto-Indo-European *slenk ("to turn, twist") (compare Welsh llyngyr ("worms, maggots"), Lithuanian sliñkti ("to crawl like a snake"), Latvian slìkt ("to sink")).
Full definition of sling
Verb
Derived terms
Noun
sling
(plural slings)- (weapon) 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.
- 1786, Francis Grose, A Treatise on Ancient Armour and Weapons, The Sling is also a weapon of great antiquity, formerly in high estimation among the ancients.
- A kind of hanging bandage put around the neck, in which a wounded arm or hand is supported.
- A loop of cloth, worn around the neck, for supporting a baby.
- A loop of rope, or a rope or chain with hooks, for suspending a barrel, bale, or other heavy object, in hoisting or lowering.
- A strap attached to a firearm, for suspending it from the shoulder.
- (nautical) A band of rope or iron for securing a yard to a mast; -- chiefly in the plural.
- The act or motion of hurling as with a sling; a throw; figuratively, a stroke.
- MiltonAt one sling
Of thy victorious arm, well-pleasing Son. - 1600, William Shakespeare, Hamlet'', Act III, Scene I, line 55, To be, or not to be, that is the question: Whether 'tis nobler in the mind to suffer The slings and arrows of outrageous fortune, Or to take arms against a sea of troubles, And by opposing, end them.
- (climbing) A loop of rope or fabric tape used for various purposes: e.g. as part of a runner, or providing extra protection when abseiling or belaying.
- A drink composed of a spirit (usually gin) and water sweetened.gin slinga Singapore sling