See Also: catapult(dictionary)
catapult(encyclopedia)
catapult 1, noun(dictionary)
catapult 2, verb(dictionary)

catapult (iou)



catapult noun & verb. L16.
[Old & mod. French catapulte or Latin catapulta = Greek katapeltes, formed as CATA- + var. of base of pallein hurl.]
A. noun.
Hist. A military engine worked by levers and twisted rope for discharging darts, stones, etc. L16.
A contrivance of a forked stick and elastic for shooting small stones etc. M19.
A mechanical contrivance for launching a glider or other aircraft, esp. from the deck of a ship. E20.
b. verb.
verb trans. Launch with a catapult; hurl (as) from a catapult; fling forcibly (lit. & fig.). M19.
verb intrans. Move (as if) from a catapult. E20.