slug Definition

slug¹
noun

1. Any of various terrestrial molluscs, including many garden pests, belonging to the same class as snails, but having a long fleshy body and little or no shell.
2. The similar larvae of other insects, especially sawflies.
3. A sea slug.
4. A heavy or lazy person; a sluggard.
5. Anything slow-moving.

Etymology: 15c: from Norwegian dialect slugg a heavy body, from sluggje a slow heavy person, from Swedish dialect slogga to be sluggish.

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slug²
noun

1a. colloq
An irregularly formed bullet;
1b. colloq
A bullet.
2. printing.
A solid line or section of metal type produced by a composing machine.

Etymology: 17c.

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slug³
noun

colloq:
1. A heavy blow.

verb

slugged, slugging
1. To strike with a heavy blow.

Derivative: slugger
noun

Etymology: Early 19c: from slog.

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slug⁴
noun

(especially US)
1. colloq
A large gulp or mouthful of alcohol, especially spirit.

Etymology: 18c.