Pounce

Pronunciation

• Rhymes: -aÊŠns

From French ponce, from Latin pumex.

Noun

1. (historical) A type of fine powder, as of sandarac, or cuttlefish bone, sprinkled over wet ink to dry the ink after writing.
2. (historical) Charcoal dust, or some other coloured powder for making patterns through perforated designs, used by embroiderers, lace makers, etc.

Full definition of pounce

Verb

1. (transitive) To sprinkle or rub with pounce powder.to pounce paper, or a pattern

From Middle English, probably akin to punch. Possibly from Old French poinçonner; cf. poinçon.

Noun

1. The claw or talon of a bird of prey.
2. A punch or stamp.
• Withalsa pounce to print money with
3. Cloth worked in eyelet holes.

Verb

1. (intransitive) To leap into the air intending to seize someone or something.''The kitten pounced at the ball I threw to himShe pounced on the young man, because she loved him and wanted him for herself.
2. (intransitive) To attack suddenly by leaping.''I was awakened from a dead sleep by my child pouncing on top of me from out of nowhere.
3. (intransitive) To eagerly seize an opportunity.I pounced on the chance to get promoted.
• 2011, March 2, Chris Whyatt, Arsenal 5 - 0 Leyton Orient, Irish debutant Conor Henderson - another ball-playing midfielder - probed for a gap through the back-line and the 19-year-old's deflected pass was pounced on by Tomas Rosicky, who sped to the byeline to clip a square ball through the legs of Charlie Daniels across the box.
4. (transitive) To strike or seize with the talons; to pierce, as with the talons.
• CowperStooped from his highest pitch to pounce a wren.
• J. FletcherNow pounce him lightly,
  And as he roars and rages, let's go deeper.
5. (transitive) To stamp holes in; to perforate.

Synonyms

• instance of propelling oneself into air: leap, jump, bounce
• instance of causing oneself to fall from an elevated place: strike, attack