I. ˈslȯ-tər noun
Etymology: Middle English, of Scandinavian origin; akin to Old Norse slātra to slaughter; akin to Old English sleaht slaughter, slēan to slay — more at slay
Date: 14th century
1. : the act of killing ; specifically : the butchering of livestock for market
2. : killing of great numbers of human beings (as in battle or a massacre) : carnage
II. transitive verb
Date: 1535
1. : to kill (animals) for food : butcher
2.
a. : to kill in a bloody or violent manner : slay
b. : to kill in large numbers : massacre
3. : to discredit, defeat, or demolish completely
• slaugh·ter·er -tər-ər noun