ballista

bal·lis·ta  (b-lst)

n. pl. bal·lis·tae (-t)

An ancient and medieval engine of warfare used to hurl heavy projectiles at a target.

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[Latin, from Greek ballists, from ballein, to throw; see g^wel- in Indo-European roots.]

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ballista [bəˈlɪstə]

n pl -tae [-tiː]

1. (Military / Arms & Armour (excluding Firearms)) an ancient catapult for hurling stones, etc

2. (Military / Arms & Armour (excluding Firearms)) an ancient form of large crossbow used to propel a spear

[from Latin, ultimately from Greek ballein to throw]

Thesaurus

Noun

1.

ballista - an engine that provided medieval artillery used during sieges; a heavy war engine for hurling large stones and other missiles arbalest, arbalist, bricole, mangonel, onager, trebuchet, trebucket, catapult engine - an instrument or machine that is used in warfare, such as a battering ram, catapult, artillery piece, etc.; "medieval engines of war"