sling

I. transitive verb (slung; slinging) Etymology: Middle English, probably from Old Norse slyngva to hurl; akin to Old English & Old High German slingan to worm, twist, Lithuanian slinkti Date: 14th century 1. to cast with a sudden and usually sweeping or swirling motion <

slung the sack over my shoulder

> 2. to throw with or as if with a sling <

slinging punches

> <

political campaigners slinging mud

> 3. to serve (food) to a customer <

had a job slinging hamburgers

> Synonyms: see throw • slinger noun II. noun Date: 14th century 1. a. an instrument for throwing stones that usually consists of a short strap with strings fastened to its ends and is whirled round to discharge its missile by centrifugal force b. slingshot 1 2. a. a usually looped line (as of strap, chain, or rope) used to hoist, lower, or carry something; especially a hanging bandage suspended from the neck to support an arm or hand b. a chain or rope attached to a lower yard at the middle and passing around a mast near the masthead to support a yard c. a chain hooked at the bow and stern of a boat for lowering or hoisting d. a device (as a rope net) for enclosing material to be hoisted by a tackle or crane 3. a slinging or hurling of or as if of a missile III. transitive verb (slung; slinging) Date: 1522 1. to place in a sling for hoisting or lowering 2. to suspend by or as if by a sling IV. noun Etymology: origin unknown Date: 1768 an alcoholic drink that is served hot or cold and that usually consists of liquor, sugar, lemon juice, and plain or carbonated water <

gin sling

> <

rum sling

>