/slay/ , n. , pl. sleys , v.
n.
1. the reed of a loom.
2. the warp count in woven fabrics.
3. Brit. the lay of a loom.
v.t.
4. to draw (warp ends) through the heddle eyes of the harness or through the dents of the reed in accordance with a given plan for weaving a fabric.
Also, slay, sleigh .
[ bef. 1050; ME sleye, OE slege weaver's reed; akin to D slag, G Schlag, ON slag, Goth slahs a blow; see SLAY ]