trebuchet

/ˈtrɛbjəˌʃɛt/

Other forms: trebuchets

A trebuchet is a kind of catapult that was used to hurl heavy stones or other projectiles during battles in the Middle Ages. Don't try using a trebuchet for a spit wad. A straw will suffice.

Trebuchets were the most powerful catapults used in the Middle Ages, and they were important weapons during military siege attacks on enemy fortifications. Using a counterweight, a trebuchet could hurl an extremely large and heavy rock very fast, potentially causing a lot of damage. The twelfth century Old French word trebuchet means "siege engine," from trebucher, "to overturn or overthrow."

Definitions of trebuchet

1. noun

   an engine that provided medieval artillery used during sieges; a heavy war engine for hurling large stones and other missiles
   synonyms: arbalest, arbalist, ballista, bricole, catapult, mangonel, onager, trebucket

   type of:

   engine

   an instrument or machine that is used in warfare, such as a battering ram, catapult, artillery piece, etc.