Emily Dickinson Lexicon

CAT'A-PULT, n. [Gr. καταπελτης; L. catapulta; κατα and πελτη, a target, or more probably from παλλω or βαλλω, to throw or drive, L. pello.]

A military engine used by the ancient Greeks and Romans for throwing stones, darts, and arrows upon an enemy. Some of these would throw a stone of a hundred pounds weight. – Mitford.