wing

noun

• 1(in a bird) a modified forelimb that bears large feathers and is used for flying.
• (in a bat or pterosaur) a modified forelimb with skin stretched between or behind the fingers.
• (in most insects) each of two or four flat extensions of the thoracic cuticle, either transparent or covered in scales.
• the wing of a bird as food.
• (usually wings) used with reference to ease and swiftness of movement:the thought gave wings to her feet

• 2a rigid horizontal structure that projects from both sides of an aircraft and supports it in the air.
• (wings) a pilot’s certificate of ability to fly a plane, indicated by a badge representing a pair of wings:Michael earned his wings as a commercial pilot

• 3a thing resembling or analogous to a wing in form or function, in particular:
• Anatomy a lateral part or projection of an organ or structure.
• Botany a thin membranous appendage of a fruit or seed that is dispersed by the wind.

• 4British a raised part of the body of a car or other vehicle above the wheel.

• 5a part of a large building, especially one that projects from the main part:a maternity wing

• 6a group within a political party or other organization having particular views or a particular function:a candidate from the liberal wing of the party

• 7 (the wings) the sides of a theatre stage out of view of the audience.

• 8(in soccer, rugby, and hockey) the part of the field close to the sidelines.
• (also wing forward) an attacking player positioned near to one of the sidelines.

• 9an air force unit of several squadrons or groups.
• the right or left flank of the main body of a battle formation.

verb

• 1 [no object, with adverbial of direction] travel on wings or by aircraft; fly:George satisfied his keen urge to fly by winging homewards with the Royal Air Force
• move, travel, or be sent quickly, as if flying:the prize will be winging its way to you soon
• [with object and adverbial of direction] send or convey (something) quickly, as if by air:just jot down the title on a postcard and wing it to us
• [with object] archaic enable (someone or something) to fly or move rapidly:the convent was at some distance, but fear would wing her steps

• 2 [with object] shoot (a bird) in the wing, so as to prevent flight without causing death:one bird was winged for every bird killed
• wound (someone) superficially, especially in the arm or shoulder.

• 3 (wing it) informal speak or act without preparation; improvise:a little preparation puts you ahead of the job-seekers who try to wing it

  [from theatrical slang, originally meaning 'to play a role without properly knowing the text' (either by relying on a prompter in the wings or by studying the part in the wings between scenes)]