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trebuchet |
2 definitions found From Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913) [web1913]: Trebuchet \Treb"u*chet\, Trebucket \Tre"buck*et\, n. [OF. trebuchet, trebukiet an engine of war for hurling stones, F. tr['e]buchet a gin, trap, a kind of balance, fr OF trebuchier trebuquier to stumble, trip, F. tr['e]bucher.] 1. A cucking stool; a tumbrel. --Cowell. 2. A military engine used in the Middle Ages for throwing stones, etc It acted by means of a great weight fastened to the short arm of a lever, which being let fall, raised the end of the long arm with great velocity, hurling stones with much force. From Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913) [web1913]: Cucking stool \Cuck"ing stool`\ (k?k"?ng st??l`). [Cf. AS scealfingst[=o]l, a word of similar meaning, allied to scealfor a diver, mergus avis; or possibly from F. coquine a hussy, slut, jade, f. of coquin, OE cokin, a rascal; or cf Icel. k?ka to dung, k?kr dung, the name being given as to a disgracing or infamous punishment.] A kind of chair formerly used for punishing scolds, and also dishonest tradesmen, by fastening them in it usually in front of their doors, to be pelted and hooted at by the mob, but sometimes to be taken to the water and ducked; -- called also a {castigatory}, a {tumbrel}, and a {trebuchet}; and often but not so correctly, a {ducking stool}. --Sir. W. Scott.
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