With a sling and a stone David smote the Philistine giant (1 Samuel 17:40, 49). There were 700 Benjamites who were so skilled in its use that with the left hand they "could sling stones at a hair breadth, and not miss" (Judges 20:16; 1 Chronicles 12:2). It was used by the Israelites in war (2 Kings 3:25). (see ARMS.)

The words in Proverbs 26:8, "As he that bindeth a stone in a sling," etc. (Authorized Version), should rather, as in the Revised Version, be "As a bag of gems in a heap of stones," etc.

Noah Webster's New International Dictionary of the English Language

1. (n.) An instrument for throwing stones or other missiles, consisting of a short strap with two strings fastened to its ends, or with a string fastened to one end and a light stick to the other. The missile being lodged in a hole in the strap, the ends of the string are taken in the hand, and the whole whirled rapidly round until, by loosing one end, the missile is let fly with centrifugal force.

2. (n.) The act or motion of hurling as with a sling; a throw; figuratively, a stroke.

3. (n.) A contrivance for sustaining anything by suspension

4. (n.) A kind of hanging bandage put around the neck, in which a wounded arm or hand is supported.

5. (n.) A loop of rope, or a rope or chain with hooks, for suspending a barrel, bale, or other heavy object, in hoisting or lowering.

6. (n.) A strap attached to a firearm, for suspending it from the shoulder.

7. (n.) A band of rope or iron for securing a yard to a mast; -- chiefly in the plural.

8. (v. t.) To throw with a sling.

9. (v. t.) To throw; to hurl; to cast.

10. (v. t.) To hang so as to swing; as, to sling a pack.

11. (v. t.) To pass a rope round, as a cask, gun, etc., preparatory to attaching a hoisting or lowering tackle.

12. (n.) A drink composed of spirit (usually gin) and water sweetened.