overslaugh

American

[oh-ver-slaw] / ˌoʊ vərˈslɔ /

verb (used with object)

to pass over or disregard (a person) by giving a promotion, position, etc., to another instead.

overslaugh British

/ ˈəʊvəˌslɔː /

noun

military the passing over of one duty for another that takes precedence

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

verb

(tr) to pass over; ignore

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of overslaugh

1765–75; < Dutch overslaan, equivalent to over- over- + slaan to strike; compare German überschlagen; see slay

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

The Castleton Bar or "overslaugh," as it was known by the river pilots, impeded for years navigation in low water.

From The Hudson Three Centuries of History, Romance and Invention by Bruce, Wallace

Therefore, the promotion of General Sheridan to be lieutenant-general did not "overslaugh" Thomas, but it did Meade and Halleck.

From The Memoirs of General W. T. Sherman, Volume II., Part 4 by Sherman, William T. (William Tecumseh)

Therefore, the promotion of General Sheridan to be lieutenant- general did not "overslaugh" Thomas, but it did Meade and Halleck.

From Memoirs of Gen. William T. Sherman — Volume 2 by Sherman, William T. (William Tecumseh)

But these subjects took a somewhat loftier tone, than the contemplation of an exchange of orderly duty, or an overslaugh of guard.

From A Love Story by A Bushman

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023