Catapult
['kætəpʌlt]
Definition
(noun.) an engine that provided medieval artillery used during sieges; a heavy war engine for hurling large stones and other missiles.
(noun.) a device that launches aircraft from a warship.
(verb.) shoot forth or launch, as if from a catapult; 'the enemy catapulted rocks towards the fort'.
Inputed by Alisa--From WordNet
Definition
(n.) An engine somewhat resembling a massive crossbow, used by the ancient Greeks and Romans for throwing stones, arrows, spears, etc.
(n.) A forked stick with elastic band for throwing small stones, etc.
Inputed by Carlo
Definition
n. anciently an engine of war resembling the ballista for throwing stones arrows &c.: a small forked stick having an elastic string fixed to the two prongs used by boys for throwing small stones.—adj. Catapul′tic.—n. Catapultier′.
Editor: Thea
Examples
- As Alexander's military experience grew, he also added a use of catapults in the field, big stone-throwing affairs, to break up the enemy infantry. H. G. Wells. The Outline of History_Being a Plain History of Life and Mankind.
- Before his time catapults had been used in sieges, but never in battles. H. G. Wells. The Outline of History_Being a Plain History of Life and Mankind.
Edited by Laurence