sley

or slay, sleigh

[ sley ]

noun

, plural sleys.

1. the reed of a loom.
2. the warp count in woven fabrics.
3. British. the lay of a loom.

verb (used with object)

1. 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.

Word History and Origins

Origin of sley¹

before 1050; Middle English sleye, Old English slege weaver's reed; akin to Dutch slag, German Schlag, Old Norse slag, Gothic slahs a blow; slay

Example Sentences

But Abimelech had not yet come nye her/ and therfore sayde: lorde wilt thou sley rightewes people?

From Project Gutenberg

Wherfore they shall gather them selves together agaynst me & sley me/ and so shall I and my house be dystroyed.

From Project Gutenberg

Than sayde Iuda to his brethrẽ/ what avayleth it that we sley oure brother/ and kepe his bloude secrett?

From Project Gutenberg

Good sley-makers could always command high prices for their sleys.

From Project Gutenberg

These serpents sley men, and eate them weeping, and they have no tongue.

From Project Gutenberg