To answer my own question:
slat (slt)
n.
1. A narrow strip of metal or wood, as in a Venetian blind.
2. A movable auxiliary airfoil running along the leading edge of the wing of an airplane.
3. slats Slang The ribs.
tr.v. slat·ted, slat·ting, slats
To provide or make with slats: slatting the back of a chair.
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[Middle English sclat, from Old French esclat, splinter, probably of Germanic origin.]
Like I said, live and learn......LT