javelin throw

noun

1. a light spear for throwing
2. in full javelin throw
   1. a pointed wooden or metal shaft, about 8 ft long, thrown for distance as a test of strength and skill
   2. the throwing of the javelin as a field event in track and field meets

Origin: MFr javeline, fem. dim. < javelot, a spear, prob. < Gaul *gabalaccos < IE base *ghabh(o)lo-, forked branch, fork > OE gafol, Ger gabel