sling

views updated Jun 08 2018

sling1 / sling/ • n. 1. a flexible strap or belt used in the form of a loop to support or raise a weight: the horse had to be supported by a sling fixed to the roof. ∎  a bandage or soft strap looped around the neck to support an injured arm: she had her arm in a sling. ∎  a pouch or frame for carrying a baby, supported by a strap around the neck or shoulders. ∎  a short length of rope used to provide additional support for the body in rappelling or climbing.2. a simple weapon in the form of a strap or loop, used to hurl stones or other small missiles.• v. (past slung / sləng/ ) 1. [tr.] suspend or arrange (something), esp. with a strap or straps, so that it hangs loosely in a particular position: a hammock was slung between two trees. ∎  carry (something, esp. a garment) loosely and casually: he had his jacket slung over one shoulder.2. [tr.] inf. throw; fling (often used to express the speaker's casual attitude): sling a few things into your knapsack. ∎  hurl (a stone or other missile) from a sling or similar weapon. ∎  hoist or transfer (something) with a sling: horse after horse was slung up from the barges.PHRASES: put someone's (or have one's) ass in a sling vulgar slang cause someone to be (or be) in trouble.sling hash inf. serve food in a cafe or diner.slings and arrows used with reference to adverse factors or circumstances: the slings and arrows of outrageous critics.DERIVATIVES: sling·er n.sling2 • n. a sweetened drink of liquor, esp. gin, and water. See also Singapore sling.

sling

views updated May 17 2018

sling2 device for securing or grasping bulky objects XIV; strap, band, loop for suspension XVIII. The immed. source is doubtful; poss. identical with prec. (the senses of LG. slinge, G. schlinge noose, snare, arm-sling, to some extent correspond).
Hence vb. XVI.

sling

views updated Jun 27 2018

sling (sling) n. a bandage arranged to support and rest an injured limb so that healing is not hindered by activity. The most common sling is a triangular bandage tied behind the neck to support the weight of a broken arm.

sling

views updated May 23 2018

sling3 pt., pp. slung throw, cast with or as with a sling. XIII. prob. — ON. str. vb. slyngva; cf. OHG. slingan (G. schlingen wind, twist).

sling

views updated Jun 08 2018

sling1 strap for hurling missiles. XIII. prob. of LG. or Du. orig. (cf. MLG. slinge, corr. to OHG. slinga). See foll.

sling

views updated May 17 2018

sling4 Amer. drink with a basis of spirit; juice of the sugar-cane. XIX. of unkn. orig.

sling

views updated May 14 2018

sling Drink made from gin and fruit juice.