sledges

Noun (1)

sledge (plural sledges)

1. (archaic or by ellipsis) A sledgehammer.
   • [based on information from Major Hill, Master of the Silver Mills, in 1662, describing silver mining in Cardiganshire] They dig the Oar thus; One holds a little Picque, or Punch of Iron, having a long Handle of Wood which they call a Gad; Another with a great Iron Hammer, or Sledge, drives it into...1737, J. Ray, A Collection of English Words Not Generally Used, With their Significations and Original in two Alphabetical Catalogues; the one, of such as are proper to the Northern, the other, to...

   Synonyms:

   forehammer, sledgehammer

Noun (2)

sledge (plural sledges)

1. A low sled drawn by animals, typically on snow, ice or grass.
   • The sledge ran far better upon the ice; I cannot say the same for the dogs.
2. (UK) any type of sled or sleigh.
   • Aged wore out Coal-Horses, which after some time Wrought you will have, may serve turn for Sledge-Horses.1708, F. C. [possibly F. Conyers], Compleat Collier: Or, The Whole Art of Sinking, Getting, and Working, Coal-mines about Sunderland and New-Castle
3. A card game resembling all fours and seven-up; old sledge.

Noun (3)

sledge (plural sledges)

1. (Australia) An instance of sledging.
   • Now that's what I call a sledge.1990, Ashes: Battles and Bellylaughs, Byron Bay: Swan Publishing, page 173

See all 10 meanings of sledge