sling-back

Variant of sling

noun

    1. a primitive instrument for throwing stones, etc., consisting of a piece of leather tied to cords that are whirled by hand for releasing the missile
    2. ☆ slingshot
  1. the act of throwing with or as with a sling; cast; throw; fling
    1. a looped or hanging band, strap, etc. used in raising and lowering a heavy object or for carrying, supporting, or steadying something: a rifle sling
    2. a wide piece of cloth suspended from the neck and looped under an injured arm for support
  2. a rope or chain for supporting a yard
  3. a woman's open-heeled slipper having a strap across the top of the heel

Origin: ME slinge < the v.

transitive verb slung, slinging

  1. to throw (stones, etc.) with a sling
  2. to throw, cast, fling, or hurl
  3. to place, carry, raise, lower, etc. in a sling
  4. to hang loosely or in a sling; suspend (a hammock, etc.), esp. by several attachments

Origin: ME slingen, prob. < ON slyngva, to throw, akin to OE & OHG slingan, to twist oneself, worm along < IE base *slenk-, to twist, turn, creep > slink, Lith slenkù, to creep

Webster's New World College Dictionary Copyright © 2010 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
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