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Webster 1913 Edition


Catapult

Cat′a-pult

,
Noun.
[L.
catapulta
, Gr. [GREEK], prob. from
κατά
down + [GREEK] to shake, hurl.]
1.
(Mil. Antiq.)
An engine somewhat resembling a massive crossbow, used by the ancient Greeks and Romans for throwing stones, arrows, spears, etc.
2.
A forked stick with elastic band for throwing small stones, etc.

Webster 1828 Edition


Catapult

CATAPELT

, or CATAPULT,
Noun.
A military engine used by the ancient Greeks and Romans for throwing stones, darts and arrows upon an enemy. Some of these would throw a stone of a hundred pounds weight.