n. & v.
--n.
1. an inclined position or direction; a state in which one end or side is at a higher level than another; a position in a line neither parallel nor perpendicular to level ground or to a line serving as a standard.
2 a piece of rising or falling ground.
3 a a difference in level between the two ends or sides of a thing (a slope of 5 metres). b the rate at which this increases with distance etc.
4 a place for skiing on the side of a hill or mountain.
5 (prec. by the) the position of a rifle when sloped.
--v.
1. intr. have or take a slope; slant esp. up or down; lie or tend obliquely, esp. to ground level.
2 tr. place or arrange or make in or at a slope.
Phrases and idioms:
slope arms place one's rifle in a sloping position against one's shoulder. slope off sl. go away, esp. to evade work etc.
Etymology: shortening of ASLOPE