Slit (?), v. t. [imp. & p. p.Slit or Slitted (�); p. pr. & vb. n.Slitting.] [OE. slitten, fr. sliten, AS. stītan to tear; akin to D. slijten to wear out, G. schleissen to slit, split, OHG. slīzan to split, tear, wear out, Icel. stīta to break, tear, wear out, Sw. slita, Dan. slide. Cf. Eclat, Slate, n., Slice.] 1. To cut lengthwise; to cut into long pieces or strips; as, to slit iron bars into nail rods; to slit leather into straps.
2. To cut or make a long fissure in or upon; as, to slit the ear or the nose.
3. To cut; to sever; to divide.
And slits the thin-spun life. Milton.