from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Fling \Fling\, n.
1. A cast from the hand; a throw; also, a flounce; a kick;
as, the fling of a horse.
[1913 Webster]
2. A severe or contemptuous remark; an expression of
sarcastic scorn; a gibe; a sarcasm.
[1913 Webster]
I, who love to have a fling,
Both at senate house and king. --Swift.
[1913 Webster]
3. A kind of dance; as, the Highland fling.
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4. A trifing matter; an object of contempt. [Obs.]
[1913 Webster]
England were but a fling
Save for the crooked stick and the gray goose wing.
--Old Proverb.
[1913 Webster]
5. a short period during which one indulges one's wishes,
whims, or desires in an unrestrained manner.
[PJC]
6. a love affair.
[PJC]
7. a casual or brief attempt to accomplish something.
[informal]
Syn: shot.
[PJC]
8. a period during which one tries a new activity; as, he
took a fling at playing tennis.
[PJC]
{To have one's fling}, to enjoy one's self to the full; to
have a season of dissipation. --J. H. Newman. "When I was
as young as you, I had my fling. I led a life of
pleasure." --D. Jerrold.
[1913 Webster]