\Sloyd\, n. [Written also {slojd}, and {sloid}.] [Sw.
sl["o]jd skill, dexterity, esp. skilled labor, hence,
manufacture, wood carving.]
Lit., skilled mechanical work, such as that required in wood
carving; trade work; hence, a system (usually called the
sloyd system) of manual training in the practical use of the
tools and materials used in the trades, and of instruction in
the making and use of the plans and specifications connected
with trade work. The sloyd system derives its name from the
fact that it was adopted or largely developed from a similar
Swedish system, in which wood carving was a chief feature.
Its purpose is not only to afford practical skill in some
trade, but also to develop the pupils mentally and
physically.