ˈkætəpʌlt n. & v. --n. 1 a
forked stick etc.
with elastic for shooting stones. 2
hist. a
military machine worked by a
lever and ropes for
hurling large stones etc. 3 a
mechanical device for launching a
glider, an
aircraft from the deck of a
ship, etc. --v. 1 tr. a
hurl from or launch with a catapult. b
fling forcibly. 2 intr.
leap or be hurled forcibly. [F catapulte or L catapulta f. Gk katapeltes (as
CATA-, pallo hurl)]