wingless

wing ► NOUN 1) a modified forelimb or other appendage enabling a bird, bat, insect, or other creature to fly. 2) a rigid horizontal structure projecting from both sides of an aircraft and supporting it in the air. 3) a part of a large building, especially one that projects from the main part. 4) a group within an organization having particular views or a particular function. 5) (the wings) the sides of a theatre stage out of view of the audience. 6) the part of a soccer, rugby, or hockey field close to the sidelines. 7) (also wing forward) an attacking player positioned near the sidelines. 8) Brit. a raised part of the body of a vehicle above the wheel. 9) an air force unit of several squadrons or groups. 10) Botany a thin appendage of a fruit or seed dispersed by the wind.

► VERB 1) fly, or move quickly as if flying. 2) shoot so as to wound in the wing or arm. 3) (wing it) informal speak or act without preparation.

● in the wings — Cf. ↑in the wings

● on the wing — Cf. ↑on the wing

● on a wing and a prayer — Cf. ↑on a wing and a prayer

● spread (or stretch) one's wings — Cf. ↑stretch one's wings

● take wing — Cf. ↑take wing

● under one's wing — Cf. ↑under one's wing

DERIVATIVES winged adjective wingless adjective.

ORIGIN Old Norse; sense 3 of the verb was originally theatrical slang referring to the playing of a role without proper knowledge of the text (by relying on a prompter in the wings or by studying in the wings between scenes).