spear thrower

spear thrower
Throwing stick Throw"ing stick` (Anthropol.) An instrument used by various savage races for throwing a spear; -- called also {throw stick} and {spear thrower}. One end of the stick receives the butt of the spear, as upon a hook or thong, and the other end is grasped with the hand, which also holds the spear, toward the middle, above it with the finger and thumb, the effect being to bring the place of support nearer the center of the spear, and practically lengthen the arm in the act of throwing. In Mexico, one such device is called the {atlatl}. [Webster 1913 Suppl. +PJC] [1913 Webster]

The Collaborative International Dictionary of English. 2000.

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  • spear-thrower — /spear throh euhr/, n. Anthropol. 1. a flexible device for launching a spear, usually a short cord wound around the spear so that when thrown the weapon will rotate in the air. 2. Also called atlatl. a rigid device for increasing the speed and… …   Universalium

  • spear-thrower — ˈ ̷ ̷ˌ ̷ ̷ ̷ ̷ noun : throwing stick * * * /spear throh euhr/, n. Anthropol. 1. a flexible device for launching a spear, usually a short cord wound around the spear so that when thrown the weapon will rotate in the air. 2. Also called atlatl. a… …   Useful english dictionary

  • spear thrower — noun a device resembling a sling that is used in various primitive societies to propel a dart or spear • Syn: ↑throwing stick, ↑throwing board, ↑dart thrower • Hypernyms: ↑device …   Useful english dictionary

  • spear-thrower — /ˈspɪə θroʊə/ (say spear throhuh) noun → woomera …  

  • spear-thrower — noun Date: 1871 atlatl …   New Collegiate Dictionary

  • Mammoth spear thrower — The Mammoth spear thrower in the British Museum. The Mammoth spear thrower is a spear thrower in the form of a Mammoth, discovered at the rock shelter of Montastruc, Tarn et Garonne, France. It is from the late Magdalenian period and around… …   Wikipedia

  • Woomera (spear-thrower) — A woomera is an Australian Aboriginal spear throwing device usually used for larger prey or when there is a greater distance to be overcome. It has been described as the most efficient spear throwing device ever [… …   Wikipedia

  • Spear — A spear is a pole weapon used for hunting and war, consisting of a shaft, usually of wood, with a sharpened head. The head may be simply the sharpened end of the shaft itself, as is the case with bamboo spears, or it may be of another material… …   Wikipedia

  • Spear of Lugh — In Irish mythology, the Spear Lúin (originally Luisne , meaning flaming or glaring ) or Spear of Lugh is one of the Four Treasures of Ireland (the others being the Claíomh Solais, Dagda s Cauldron and the Stone of Fál). The Spear Luin was… …   Wikipedia

  • dart thrower — noun a device resembling a sling that is used in various primitive societies to propel a dart or spear • Syn: ↑throwing stick, ↑throwing board, ↑spear thrower • Hypernyms: ↑device * * * noun : throwing stick …   Useful english dictionary

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