Middle English Dictionary Entry
staf-slinge n.
Entry Info
| Forms | staf-slinge n. Also (error) staflyng. |
| Etymology | From staf n. & sling(e n. |
Definitions (Senses and Subsenses)
1.
(a) A sling attached to a staff; (b) a soldier armed with such a sling.
Associated quotations
a
- (c1390) Chaucer CT.Th.(Manly-Rickert)B.2019 : This geant at hym stones caste Out of a fel staf slynge [vrr. staflyng, staf sclynge].
- a1400 Cursor (Trin-C R.3.8)7528 : Dauid..his armure fro him gon he swynge And toke him but a staf slinge.
- (?a1439) Lydg.FP (Bod 263)2.306 : Dauid..With a stafslynge..Slouh Golias.
- a1450(1408) Vegetius(1) (Dc 291)92/33 : Alle þilke þat occupie schot, as bowemen, alblasteres..and slyngeres wiþ handslynge & stafslynge..ben clepid þe liȝt armure.
- ?a1475(?a1425) Higd.(2) (Hrl 2261)1.297 : The peple..be callede Basclenses..vsenge dartes and crosse bawes or staffe slynges.
- a1500 Gloss.Garland (Hrl 1002)130 : Fustibula: staf-slyngys.
b
- a1450(1408) Vegetius(1) (Dc 291)91/24 : Aftir Hem were ysette hondslinges and stafslynges [L funditores], þe whiche wiþ slynges casten stones.