To get the hang of, to learn the method or arrangement of; hence, to
become accustomed to. [Colloq.]
Hang"bird` (hng"brd`), n. (Zoˆl.) The Baltimore oriole (Icterus
galbula); -- so called because its nest is suspended from the limb of a
tree. See Baltimore oriole.
Hang"-by` (-b`), n.; pl. Hang-bies (-bz`). A dependent; a hanger-on; --
so called in contempt. B. Jonson.
Hang"dog` (-dg`), n. A base, degraded person; a sneak; a gallows bird.
Hang"dog`, a. Low; sneaking; ashamed.
The poor colonel went out of the room with a hangdog look.
Thackeray.
Hang"er (-r), n. 1. One who hangs, or causes to be hanged; a hangman.
2. That by which a thing is suspended. Especially: (a) A strap hung to
the girdle, by which a dagger or sword is suspended. (b) (Mach.) A part
that suspends a journal box in which shafting runs. See Illust. of
Countershaft. (c) A bridle iron.
3. That which hangs or is suspended, as a sword worn at the side;
especially, in the 18th century, a short, curved sword.