treb·u·chet [trebyəˈSHet]
noun
- a machine used in medieval siege warfare for hurling large stones or other missiles. “Fire the trebuchet!!!!”
Origin: 1300-50; Middle English < Middle French, equivalent to trebuch (er) to overturn, fall ( tre (s) across, over (< Latin trāns- trans- ) + buc trunk of body < Germanic; compare Old English būc belly) + -et -et
See Also: Catapult, Arbalest, Ballista