Slip

“to give the SLIP ,” to run away, or elude pursuit. Shakspeare has, “You gave me the counterfeit,” in Romeo and Juliet . Giving the SLIP , however, is a sea phrase, and refers to fastening an anchor and chain cable to a floating buoy, or water-cask, until a time arrives when it is convenient to return and take them on board. In fastening the cable, the home end is SLIPPED through the hawse-pipe. Weighing anchor is a noisy task, so that giving the SLIP infers leaving quietly. Slip , or let SLIP ; “to SLIP into a man,” to give him a sound beating, “to let SLIP at a cove,” to rush violently upon him, and a ault with vigour.