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| Date: | 1300-1400 |
| Language: | Old French |
| Origin: | esclat 'thin piece split off', from esclater 'to burst, splinter' |
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slate1
1 a dark grey rock that can easily be split into flat thin pieces
rock
[uncountable]HEG2 a small piece of slate or similar material that is used for covering roofs [= tile]: 
There were several slates missing from the roof.
on a roof
[countable] especially British EnglishTBCThere were several slates missing from the roof.4 a list of people that voters can choose in an election, or who are being considered for an important job
politics
[countable]PPV5 a small black board or a flat piece of slate in a wooden frame used for writing on in the past
for writing on
[countable]SE6 to arrange to pay for something later, especially food or drink
