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trebuchet Definition

trebu·chet (treb′yo̵̅o̅ s̸het′)

noun

a medieval engine of war powered by a counterweight and used to hurl large stones and other missiles

Etymology: ME < OFr < trebucher, to stumble < tre- (< L trans-, trans-) + buc, trunk, body < Frank *buk, trunk, akin to Ger bauch, belly < PGmc *bhug- < IE *bhū-, var. of base *bheu-, to grow, swell > be

trebuchet Usage Examples

Converse of object

  • use: He used the trebuchet against the walls of Dover Castle.

Adjective modifier

  • medieval: Medieval Trebuchets could launch missiles hundreds of yards at, or even over, a castle, fortress or city wall.
  • mighty: The Medieval Catapults used during the Middle Ages were the Mangonel, the ballista and the mighty trebuchet.

Modifies a noun

  • missile: Trebuchet Missiles The Trebuchet was designed as a giant catapult, or sling.

Noun used with modifier

  • traction: In the traction trebuchet a large troop of men pulled down on ropes to propel the missile.

Browse dictionary entries near trebuchet

  1. ‹ treble damages
  2. ‹ treble clef
  3. ‹ treble
  4. ‹ Trebizond
  5. ‹ Trebbia
  6. ‹ treaty port
  7. ‹ treaty clause
  8. ‹ treaty
  9. ‹ treatment
  10. ‹ treatise
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