sling 1
/sling/ , n. , v. , slung, slinging .
n.
1. a device for hurling stones or other missiles that consists, typically, of a short strap with a long string at each end and that is operated by placing the missile in the strap, and, holding the ends of the strings in one hand, whirling the instrument around in a circle and releasing one of the strings to discharge the missile.
2. a slingshot.
3. a bandage used to suspend or support an injured part of the body, commonly a bandage suspended from the neck to support an injured arm or hand.
4. a strap, band, or the like, forming a loop by which something is suspended or carried, as a strap attached to a rifle and passed over the shoulder.
5. sling-back.
6. an act or instance of slinging.
7. a rope, chain, net, etc., for hoisting freight or for holding it while being hoisted.
8. Naut.
a. a chain for supporting a hoisting yard.
b. slings , the area of a hoisting yard to which such chains are attached; the middle of a hoisting yard.
v.t.
9. to throw, cast, or hurl; fling, as from the hand.
10. to place in or secure with a sling to raise or lower.
11. to raise, lower, etc., by such means.
12. to hang by a sling or place so as to swing loosely: to sling a rifle over one's shoulder.
13. to suspend: to sling a hammock between two trees.
14. sling hash , Slang. to work as a waiter or waitress, esp. at a lunch counter or cheap restaurant.
[ 1175-1225; (v.) ME slyngen slyngva to sling, fling, c. OE slingan to wind, twist; (n.) ME, perh. deriv. of the v., though sense "strap, hoist" may be of distinct orig. ]
Syn. 9. pitch, toss.
sling 2
/sling/ , n.
an iced alcoholic drink, typically containing gin, water, sugar, and lemon or lime juice.
[ 1785-95, Amer.; of uncert. orig. ]