from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Slit \Slit\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Slit} or {Slitted}; p. pr. &
vb. n. {Slitting}.] [OE. slitten, fr. sliten, AS. st[imac]tan
to tear; akin to D. slijten to wear out, G. schleissen to
slit, split, OHG. sl[imac]zan to split, tear, wear out, Icel.
st[imac]ta to break, tear, wear out, Sw. slita, Dan. slide.
Cf. {Eclat}, {Slate}, n., {Slice}.]
1. To cut lengthwise; to cut into long pieces or strips; as,
to slit iron bars into nail rods; to slit leather into
straps.
[1913 Webster]
2. To cut or make a long fissure in or upon; as, to slit the
ear or the nose.
[1913 Webster]
3. To cut; to sever; to divide. [Obs.]
[1913 Webster]
And slits the thin-spun life. --Milton.
[1913 Webster]