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 flight
2 : 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 i chiefly British : fender d
3 : a means of flight or rapid progress
4 : the act or manner of flying : flight <take wing>
5 : a side or outlying region or district
6 : 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 b plural : the area at the side of the stage out of sight
8 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 : flanker
9 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 wing
10 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 airplanes
11 : a dance step marked by a quick outward and inward rolling glide of one foot
12 plural : 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 wings
2 : close at hand in the background : readily available <had a plan waiting in the wings>

— on the wing 1 : in flight : flying
2 : in motion

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

[wing illustration]