| javelin | A sort of light spear, to be thrown or cast by thew hand; anciently, a weapon of war used by horsemen and foot soldiers; now used chiefly in hunting the wild boar and other fierce game. "Flies the javelin swifter to its mark, Launched by the vigor of a Roman arm?" (Addison) Origin: F. Javeline; akin to Sp. Jabalina, It. Giavelina, and F. Javelot, OF. Gavlot. Cf. Gavelock. Source: Websters Dictionary (01 Mar 1998) |
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