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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
also trebucket tre′·bucket (trē′buk′it)

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

Webster's New World College Dictionary Copyright © 2005 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

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.

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.
trebuchet usage examples (more)

The word usage examples above have been gathered from various sources to reflect current and historical usage. They do not represent the opinions of YourDictionary.com.

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MLA Style

"trebuchet." Webster's New World College Dictionary. 2009

  • Your Dictionary. 5 July 2009
  • <www.yourdictionary.com/trebuchet>

APA Style

trebuchet. (2009). In Webster's New World College Dictionary

  • Retrieved July 5th, 2009, from www.yourdictionary.com/trebuchet

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