Main Entry:

¹wing

Pronunciation:

\ˈwiŋ\

Function:

noun

Usage:

often attributive

Etymology:

Middle English winge, of Scandinavian origin; akin to Dan & Swedish vinge wing; akin to Sanskrit vāti it blows — more at wind

Date:

13th century

1 a: one of the movable feathered or membranous paired appendages by means of which a bird, bat, or insect is able to fly ; also : such an appendage even though rudimentary if possessed by an animal belonging to a group characterized by the power of flight b: any of various anatomical structures (as of a flying fish or flying lemur) providing means of limited flight2: an appendage or part resembling a wing in appearance, position, or function: as a: a device worn under the arms to aid a person in swimming or staying afloat b: ala c: a turned-back or extended edge on an article of clothing d: a sidepiece at the top of an armchair e (1): a foliaceous, membranous, or woody expansion of a plant especially along a stem or on a samara or capsule (2): either of the two lateral petals of a papilionaceous flower f: a vane of a windmill or arrow g: sail h: an airfoil that develops a major part of the lift which supports a heavier-than-air aircraft ichiefly British : fender d 3: a means of flight or rapid progress4: the act or manner of flying : flight <take wing>5: a side or outlying region or district6: a part or feature of a building usually projecting from and subordinate to the main or central part <the servants' wing>7 a: one of the pieces of scenery at the side of a stage bplural : the area at the side of the stage out of sight8 a: a left or right section of an army or fleet : flank b: one of the offensive positions or players on either side of a center position in certain team sports ; also : flanker9 a: either of two opposing groups within an organization or society : faction b: a section of an organized body (as a legislative chamber) representing a group or faction holding distinct opinions or policies — compare left wing, right wing10 a: a unit of the United States Air Force higher than a group and lower than a division b: two or more squadrons of naval airplanes11: a dance step marked by a quick outward and inward rolling glide of one foot12plural : insignia consisting of an outspread pair of stylized bird's wings which are awarded on completion of prescribed training to a qualified pilot, aircrew member, or military balloon pilot

— wingy \ˈwiŋ-ē\ adjective

— in the wings

1: out of sight in the stage wings2: close at hand in the background : readily available <had a plan waiting in the wings>

— on the wing

1: in flight : flying2: in motion

— under one's wing

: under one's protection : in one's care <took her under his wing>

[wing illustration]