(slāt) noun
1. Any rock that splits readily into thin and even laminae; specifically, an argillaceous, fine–grained rock that so splits; also, an artificial material made in imitation of it.
2. A piece, slab, or plate of slate used for roofing, writing upon, etc.
3. A record of one's past performance or behavior: a clean slate.
4. A list of political candidates made up before their nomination or election; any prearranged list.
5. A dull bluish–gray color resembling that of slate: also slate gray.
—adjective
1. Made of slate: a slate roof.
2. Slate–colored.
—v.t. slat·ed, slat·ing
1. To roof with slate.
2. To put on a political slate or a list of any sort; hence, to register or designate as if by writing on a slate: He is slated for promotion.
3. To remove hair from (hides) with a slater. [<OF esclate, fem. of esclat a chip, splinter]
—slat′y adjective

(slāt) v.t. slat·ed, slat·ing
1. To censure, criticize, or review severely; berate.
2. To punish severely. [OE slætan bait]