sling(2)

CopyRight ©http://inoveu.com From:http://www.inoveu.com/sling%282%29.shtml

sling noun1. ME.
[Prob. from Low Dutch (cf. Middle Low German slinge, German Schlinge noose, snare, arm-sling), of symbolic origin. Branch III from the verb.]
I.
A simple weapon for throwing stones etc., consisting essentially of a loop of leather or other material in which the missile is whirled and then let fly. ME.
fig.: Shakespeare Hamlet The slings and arrows of outrageous fortune.
b. Hist. A ballista or similar device for hurling rocks etc. Now rare. M16.
II.
A strap, belt, rope, etc., in the form of a loop, in which an object may be raised, lowered, or suspended, or (later) in which a baby may be carried. ME.
Times With..sling, earthmover and helicopter the..forest is planted.
b. spec. A strap attached to a rifle etc. enabling it to be carried slung over the shoulder. E18.
c. A band of material formed into a loop and suspended from the neck so as to support an injured arm. E18.
have one's ass in a sling (US slang) be in trouble. wear one's arm in a sling: see WEAR verb1.
d. A short length of rope used to provide additional support for the body in abseiling etc. E20.
Nautical. A rope by which the middle of a yard is suspended from the mast; in pl., the middle part of a yard. E17.
III.
The action or an act of slinging; a fling, a throw. M16.
A gratuity; a bribe. Austral. M20.
Comb.: sling-back noun & adjective (a) (designating) a woman's shoe with an open back, held on by a strap across the heel; (b) (designating) a chair with a fabric seat suspended from a rigid frame; sling-bag: with a long strap which may be hung from the shoulder; sling-cart Military a two-wheeled cart for carrying a cannon; sling chair US a sling-back chair; sling pump N. Amer. a sling-back shoe; slingsman Hist. a soldier armed with a sling; sling-stone a stone or pebble (suitable to be) cast by a sling.