sloughˈy adjective

the Slough of Despond

(the state of) extreme despondency, great depression

slough² /sluf/

1. A cast skin
2. A coating
3. Dead tissue in a sore

1. To come away as a slough (with off)
2. To cast the skin
3. To develop a slough

To cast off, eg a snake's skin

sloughˈy adjective