slew etymology

Etymology

The word "slew" has multiple etymological origins:

• Old English: "slean", meaning "to strike" or "to kill"
• Middle English: "sleen", "slay", or "slough"
• Scots: "sley", meaning "to kill"

Meaning

• Verb: To kill or slaughter, especially in large numbers or in a violent manner.
• Noun (archaic): A large number of people or animals killed or slaughtered.

Origin

• The Old English word "slean" comes from the Proto-Germanic root "slag-an", meaning "to strike" or "to kill."
• The Middle English term "slay" is derived from the Old English "slean" but has a more specific meaning of "to kill with a weapon."
• "Slough" and "sley" are regional variants of the same word, reflecting the diverse dialects of the British Isles.

Usage

The word "slew" is often used in historical or literary contexts, as well as in the context of violence and warfare. For example:

• "The battle was a bloody affair, with hundreds slain on both sides."
• "The hunter slew the lion with a single shot."
• "The tyrant slew his opponents without mercy."

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