Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

Slit \Slit\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Slit} or {Slitted}; p. pr. &
   vb. n. {Slitting}.] [OE. slitten, fr. sliten, AS. st[=i]tan
   to tear; akin to D. slijten to wear out, G. schleissen to
   slit, split, OHG. sl[=i]zan to split, tear, wear out, Icel.
   st[=i]ta 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. [Obs.]

            And slits the thin-spun life.         --Milton.