From The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:
Slash \Slash\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Slashed; p. pr. & vb. n.
Slashing.] [OE. slaschen, of uncertain origin; cf. OF.
esclachier to break, esclechier, esclichier, to break, and E.
slate, slice, slit, v. t.]
1. To cut by striking violently and at random; to cut in long
slits.
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2. To lash; to ply the whip to. [R.] --King.
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3. To crack or snap, as a whip. [R.] --Dr. H. More.
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