English

Pronunciation

• /'slɪɳ/
• Rhymes: -ɪŋ

Verb

1. To throw.

Translations

Noun

1. In the context of "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. 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.

   Quotations

   • 1786: The Sling is also a weapon of great antiquity, formerly in high estimation among the ancients. — Francis Grose, A Treatise on Ancient Armour and Weapons, page 43.

2. A kind of hanging bandage put around the neck, in which a wounded arm or hand is supported.
3. A loop of rope, or a rope or chain with hooks, for suspending a barrel, bale, or other heavy object, in hoisting or lowering.
4. A strap attached to a firearm, for suspending it from the shoulder.
5. (Nautical) A band of rope or iron for securing a yard to a mast; -- chiefly in the plural.
6. The act or motion of hurling as with a sling; a throw; figuratively, a stroke.
7. A device used by a sexually passive partner to raise and support the legs during sex. This kind of sex sling consists of a cushion fitting under the neck, joined by 2 straps to each ankle, and these attached to each wrist.
8. A leather hammock sometimes found in gay sex clubs to recline and elevate a sexually passive partner, and further raise and support the legs, hence: sling room.

Quotations

• 1600: 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. — William Shakespeare, Hamlet, Act III, Scene I, line 55.

Translations