slew

noun

1. The act, or process of slewing.
2. A device used for slewing.
3. A change of position.
4. (alt-of, alternative)Alternative spelling of slough (“a marshy or swampy place”) (reflecting the alternative pronunciation).

   “The prairie round about is wet, at times almost marshy, especially at the borders of the great reedy slews.”

5. A large amount.

   “She has a slew of papers and notebooks strewn all over her desk.”

   “There has been a slew of documents about Scottish transport planning in recent weeks.”

6. A crowd or large number of people.

verb

1. (transitive)To rotate or turn something about its axis.
2. (transitive)To veer a vehicle.
3. (transitive)To insert extra ticks or skip some ticks of a clock to slowly correct its time.
4. (intransitive)To pivot.
5. (intransitive)To skid.
6. (transitive)To move something (usually a railway line) sideways.

   “The single line was slewed onto the disused up formation to make way for the future redoubling.”

   “Treforest: The track has been slewed to create space for the new island station platform at Treforest Estate, on the Cardiff-Merthyr line.”

7. (British, slang, transitive)To make a public mockery of someone through insult or wit.
8. (form-of, past)simple past of slay