Word Direct Answers

What does "sling" mean?

Sling: 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.

Additional senses

  1. 2.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.
  2. 3.To throw with a sling. "Every one could sling stones at an hairbreadth, and not miss." Judg. xx.
  3. 4.2. To throw; to hurl; to cast. Addison.
  4. 5.To hang so as to swing; as, to sling a pack.
  5. 6.(Naut) To pass a rope round, as a cask, gun, etc., preparatory to attaching a hoisting or lowering tackle.
  6. 7.A drink composed of spirit (usually gin) and water sweetened. sling.

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