Obs. exc. Hist. [f. STAFF sb.1 + SLING sb.1 Cf. OHG. stapaslinga, G. stabschlinge.] A sling (SLING sb.1 1) the cords or strings of which are attached to the end of a staff, used for hurling larger stones than the ordinary ‘cord-sling.’
13[?]. Coer de L., 5226 (W.). With staffe-slynges that smyte wel.
1375. Barbour, Bruce, XVII. 344. Instrumentis … As scaffatis, ledderis … Pykis, howis, and ek staff-slyngis.
c. 1386. Chaucer, Sir Thopas, 118. This geant at hym stones caste Out of a fel staf slynge.
1432–50. trans. Higden (Rolls), I. 297. Vsenge dartes and crosse bawes or staffe slynges.
1530. Palsgr., 275/1. Staffe slyng made of a clyftestycke, ruant.
c. 1550. Rolland, Crt. Venus, II. 226. Alswa he slew the Giant Golyas, In the foirheid with ane stane and stafsling.
1557–8. Acc. Ld. High Treas. Scot., X. 336. To big dikis and fowseis and to have stafe slungis in the reddines to the portis thairof.
1825. Fosbroke, Encycl. Antiq., 780. The Staff-sling, the Classical Fustibalum.
Hence † Staff-slinger.
13[?]. Coer de L., 4454 (W.). Foremeste he sette hys arweblasteres, And aftyr that hys good archeres And aftyr hys staff-slyngeres And othir with scheeldes and with speeres.
