Word origins - 2ed. J. Ayto. 2005.
pounce — [pauns] v [Date: 1600 1700; Origin: pounce [i] claw (15 19 centuries), probably from puncheon pointed weapon (14 20 centuries), from Old French poinchon] to suddenly move forward and attack someone or something, after waiting to attack them ▪ The … Dictionary of contemporary English
Pounce — Pounce, n. [F. ponce pumice, pounce, fr. L. pumex, icis, pumice. See {Pumice}.] 1. A fine powder, as of sandarac, or cuttlefish bone, formerly used to prevent ink from spreading on manuscript. [1913 Webster] 2. Charcoal dust, or some other… … The Collaborative International Dictionary of English
Pounce — may refer to: *Pounce (calligraphy), a powder used to prevent ink from spreading and to blot up excess ink. *Pounce (cat treats), a brand of cat treats *Another name for the card game Nertz, a fast paced, multiplayer version of Solitaire *Pounce! … Wikipedia
Pounce — Pounce, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Pounded}; p. pr. & vb. n. {Pouncing}.] To sprinkle or rub with pounce; as, to pounce paper, or a pattern. [1913 Webster] … The Collaborative International Dictionary of English
Pounce — Pounce, v. t. 1. To strike or seize with the talons; to pierce, as with the talons. [Archaic] [1913 Webster] Stooped from his highest pitch to pounce a wren. Cowper. [1913 Webster] Now pounce him lightly, And as he roars and rages, let s go… … The Collaborative International Dictionary of English
Pounce — Pounce, n. [Prob. through French, from an assumed LL. punctiare to prick, L. pungere, punctum. See {Puncheon}, {Punch}, v. t.] 1. The claw or talon of a bird of prey. Spenser. Burke. [1913 Webster] 2. A punch or stamp. [Obs.] A pounce to print… … The Collaborative International Dictionary of English
pounce — pounce1 [pouns] n. [ME pownce, talon, prob. altered < MFr poinçon, sharp instrument, stiletto: see PUNCHEON1] 1. a claw or talon of a bird of prey 2. the act of pouncing; swoop, spring, or leap vi. pounced, pouncing to swoop down, spring, or… … English World dictionary
Pounce — Pounce, v. i. To fall suddenly and seize with the claws; with on or upon; as, a hawk pounces upon a chicken. Also used figuratively. [1913 Webster] Derision is never so agonizing as when it pounces on the wanderings of misguided sensibility.… … The Collaborative International Dictionary of English
Pounce! — Pounce!, Cat and mouse, Buttons, Catch me if you can and Not now but now are some of the names used for a children s game and drinking game, usually played by at least three players. One player, the cat, has a cup, toilet plunger, or other… … Wikipedia
pounce — [ pauns ] verb intransitive 1. ) to quickly jump on or hold someone or something: They pounced on their suspect. 2. ) to react in a very sudden way, especially by criticizing someone: White House aides pounced on the remark. ╾ pounce noun count … Usage of the words and phrases in modern English
pounce — (v.) 1680s, originally to seize with the pounces, from pownse (n.) hawk s claws (late 15c.), from O.Fr. poinçon (see punch (v.)), on the notion of the claws that punch holes in things. In falconry, the heel claw is a talon, and others are pounces … Etymology dictionary
