Definify.com
Webster 1913 Edition
Slippery
1.
Having the quality opposite to adhesiveness; allowing or causing anything to slip or move smoothly, rapidly, and easily upon the surface; smooth; glib;
as, oily substances render things
. slippery
2.
Not affording firm ground for confidence;
as, a
. slippery
promiseThe
slippery
tops of human state. Cowley.
3.
Not easily held; liable or apt to slip away.
The
slippery
god will try to loose his hold. Dryden.
4.
Liable to slip; not standing firm.
Shak.
5.
Unstable; changeable; mutable; uncertain; inconstant; fickle.
“The slippery state of kings.” Denham.
6.
Uncertain in effect.
L’Estrange.
7.
Wanton; unchaste; loose in morals.
Shak.
Slippery elm
. (Bot.)
(a)
An American tree (
. Ulmus fulva
) with a mucilagenous and slightly aromatic inner bark which is sometimes used medicinally; also, the inner bark itself(b)
A malvaceous shrub (
Fremontia Californica
); – so called on the Pacific coast.Webster 1828 Edition
Slippery
SLIP'PERY
,Adj.
1.
Smooth; glib; having the quality opposite to adhesiveness; as, oily substances render things slippery.2.
Not affording firm footing or confidence; as a slippery promise. The slipp'ry tops of human state.3.
Not easily held; liable or apt to slip away. The slipp'ry god will try to loose his hold.4.
Not standing firm, as slippery standers.5.
Unstable; changeable; mutable; uncertain; as the slippery state of kings.6.
Not certain in its effect; as a slippery trick. 7.
Lubrious; wanton; unchaste.