slifter Now dial.
(ˈslɪftə(r))
[Related to slift1 and slive v.1 Cf. also obs. or dial. G. schlifter gully, watercourse.]
1. A cleft or crack; a crevice.
| 1607 Topsell Four-f. Beasts (1658) 21 The chapping, clefts, or slifters, in the body, which come by cold. Ibid. 536 There are also certain slifters or clifts in the hoofs of Horses, which are cured in one nights space. 1611 Cotgr., Fente, a cleft, rift, slifter, chinke. c 1746 J. Collier (Tim Bobbin) View Lanc. Dial. (1775) 21 Oth Leawp-hoyles, on th' Slifters ith Leath Woughs. a 1800 in Pegge Suppl. Grose. 1828 in Carr Craven Gloss. 1874 Waugh Chimney Corner (1879) 170 There isn't a slifter, nor a ginnel, nor a gorse-bush. |
† 2. A splinter. Obs.
| 1606 G. W[oodcock] Lives Emperors in Hist. Ivstine Ll 5, Henry the French king was slaine by the slifter of a speare broke vpon him. |
Hence ˈsliftered ppl. a., riven asunder, cloven.
| 1602 Marston Ant. & Mel. i, Straight chops a wave, and in his sliftred panch Downe fals our ship. 1866 Waugh Lanc. Songs (1870) 50 He toots abeawt, i' th slifter't cleawd To find a bit o' sky. |