Slay (?), v. t. [imp. Slew (?); p. p. Slain (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Slaying.] [OE. slan, sln, sleen, slee, AS. sle�xa0;n to strike, beat, slay; akin to OFries. sla, D. slaan, OS. & OHG. slahan, G. schlagen, Icel. sla, Dan. slaae, Sw. sl, Goth. slahan; perhaps akin to L. lacerare to tear to pieces, Gr. , E. lacerate. Cf. Slaughter, Sledge a hammer, Sley.] To put to death with a weapon, or by violence; hence, to kill; to put an end to; to destroy.
With this sword then will I slay you both.
Chaucer.
I will slay the last of them with the sword.
Amos ix. 1.
I'll slay more gazers than the basilisk.
Shak.
Syn. -- To kill; murder; slaughter; butcher.
© Webster 1913. | 
