slate
1. slate \'sla-t\ \-.li-k\ n [ME, fr. MF esclat splinter] 1: a piece of
construction material (as laminated rock) prepared as a shing le for
roofing and siding 2: a dense fine-grained rock produced by the compression
of clays, shales, and various other rocks so as to develop a
characteristic cleavage 3: a tablet of material (as slate) used for writing
on 4a: a record of deeds or events {a clean ~} 4b: a list of candidates
for nomination or election 5a: a dark purplish gray 5b: any of various
grays similar in color to common roofing slates - slate aj
2. slate vt 1: to cover with slate or a slatelike substance {~ a roof} 2:
to register, schedule, or designate for action or appointment
3. slate vt [prob. alter. of 3slat] 1: to thrash or pummel severely
chiefly Brit 2: to criticize or censure severely : BERATE