English
pounce
Pronunciation Noun

pounce (uncountable)

  1. (historical) A type of fine powder, as of sandarac, or cuttlefish bone, sprinkled over wet ink to dry the ink after writing or on rough paper to smooth the writing surface.
  2. (historical) Charcoal dust, or some other coloured powder for making patterns through perforated designs, used by embroiderers, lacemakers, etc.
Translations
  • German: Löschsand, Schreibsand
  • Spanish: margajita (because one used pyrite or marcasite for it)
Verb

pounce (pounces, present participle pouncing; past and past participle pounced)

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

pounce (plural pounces)

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

pounce (pounces, present participle pouncing; past and past participle pounced)

  1. (intransitive) To leap into the air intending to seize someone or something.
    The kitten pounced at the ball I threw to it.
    She 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.
    While he was out of town on vacation, I pounced, leaking the photos.
    Why would I talk to the press and give them a chance to pounce on me?
  4. (transitive) To strike or seize with the talons; to pierce, as with the talons.
    • Stooped from his highest pitch to pounce a wren.
    • Now 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
Translations
  • Portuguese: dar o bote
  • Spanish: brincar
Translations Translations

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