WING, n. 1. The limb of a fowl by which it flies. In a few species of fowls, the wings do not enable them to fly; as is the case with the dodo, ostrich, great auk, and penguin; but in the two former, the wings assist the fowls in running.2. The limb of an insect by which it flies.3. In botany, the side petal of a papilionaceous corol; also, an appendage of seeds, by means of which they are wafted in the air and scattered; also, any membranous or leafy dilatation of a footstalk, or of the angles of a stem, branch or flower stalk, or of a calyx.4. Flight; passage by the wind; as, to be on the wind; to take wing.5. Means of flying; acceleration. Fear adds wings to flight.6. Motive or incitement of flight.Then fiery expedition be my wing.7. The flank or extreme body or part of an army.8. Any side-piece.9. In gardening, a side-shoot.10. In architecture, a side-building, less than the main edifice.11. In fortification, the longer sides of hornworks, crown-works, &c.12. In a fleet, the ships on the extremities, when ranged in a line, or when forming the two sides of a triangle.13. In a ship, the wings are those parts of the hold and orlop deck, which are nearest the sides.14. In Scripture, protection; generally in the plural. Psalm 63. Exodus 19.On the wings of the wind, with the utmost velocity. Psalm 18. WING, v.t. 1. To furnish with wings; to enable to fly or to move with celerity.Who heaves old ocean, and who wings the storms.2. To supply with side bodies; as on either side well winged.3. To transport by flight.I, an old turtle, will wing me to some witherd bough.Edge the keen sword, and wing th unerring ball.To wing a flight, to exert the power of flying.
|