gunsling (gunsling)

1. A sling for lifting they cannot easily fall asunder. a gun off its carriage, or off the ground when placed under a gin or other lifting-machine. -2. A kind of strap or sling for carrying a shot-gun or rifle; specifically, a leather loop or sling which buttons or buckles on the pommel of a saddle, and in which a shot-gun or rifle is so slung that it is carried acro the lap of the rider. Gun-slings of this kind are in general use in the western United States, especially with the Mexican or Spanish saddle, and some modification of them is adapted to the regulation McClellan saddle used in the United States army. Dampier , Voyages, an. 1699. On board the ships, mitrailleuses and field-pieces were mounted on the gunnels. Hobart Pasha, N. A. Rev., CXXVII. 384.