cat·ling \ˈkatliŋ\noun (-s) Etymology:cat (I) + -ling 1.: a small cat : kitten 2.: a catgut string for a musical instrument 3.: the smallest string instrument (as a lute) 4.alsocat·lin\-lə̇n\: a long double-edged sharp-pointed knife used in amputations to divide tissues between close-lying bones