Wing \Wing\, n. [OE. winge, wenge; probably of Scand. origin;
cf. Dan. & Sw. vinge, Icel. v[ae]ngr.]
1. One of the two anterior limbs of a bird, pterodactyl, or
bat. They correspond to the arms of man, and are usually
modified for flight, but in the case of a few species of
birds, as the ostrich, auk, etc., the wings are used only
as an assistance in running or swimming.
As an eagle stirreth up her nest, fluttereth over
her young, spreadeth abroad her wings, taketh them,
beareth them on her wings. --Deut. xxxii.
11.
Note: In the wing of a bird the long quill feathers are in
series. The primaries are those attached to the ulnar
side of the hand; the secondaries, or wing coverts,
those of the forearm: the scapulars, those that lie
over the humerus; and the bastard feathers, those of
the short outer digit. See Illust. of Bird, and
Plumage.
2. Any similar member or instrument used for the purpose of
flying. Specifically: (Zo["o]l.)
(a) One of the two pairs of upper thoracic appendages of
most hexapod insects. They are broad, fanlike organs
formed of a double membrane and strengthened by
chitinous veins or nervures.
(b) One of the large pectoral fins of the flying fishes.
3. Passage by flying; flight; as, to take wing.
Light thickens; and the crow Makes wing to the rooky
wood. --Shak.
4. Motive or instrument of flight; means of flight or of
rapid motion.
Fiery expedition be my wing. --Shak.
5. Anything which agitates the air as a wing does, or which
is put in winglike motion by the action of the air, as a
fan or vane for winnowing grain, the vane or sail of a
windmill, etc.
6. An ornament worn on the shoulder; a small epaulet or
shoulder knot.
7. Any appendage resembling the wing of a bird or insect in
shape or appearance. Specifically:
(a) (Zo["o]l.) One of the broad, thin, anterior lobes of
the foot of a pteropod, used as an organ in swimming.
(b) (Bot.) Any membranaceous expansion, as that along the
sides of certain stems, or of a fruit of the kind
called samara.
(c) (Bot.) Either of the two side petals of a
papilionaceous flower.
8. One of two corresponding appendages attached; a sidepiece.
Hence:
(a) (Arch.) A side building, less than the main edifice;
as, one of the wings of a palace.
(b) (Fort.) The longer side of crownworks, etc.,
connecting them with the main work.
(c) (Hort.) A side shoot of a tree or plant; a branch
growing up by the side of another. [Obs.]
(d) (Mil.) The right or left division of an army,
regiment, etc.
(e) (Naut.) That part of the hold or orlop of a vessel
which is nearest the sides. In a fleet, one of the
extremities when the ships are drawn up in line, or
when forming the two sides of a triangle. --Totten.
(f) One of the sides of the stags in a theater.
Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)
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