v. & n.
v.intr. 1 spring or swoop, esp. as in capturing prey. 2 (often foll. by on, upon) a make a sudden attack. b seize eagerly upon an object, remark, etc. (pounced on what we said).
n. 1 the act or an instance of pouncing. 2 the claw or talon of a bird of prey. pouncer n.
[ perh. f. PUNCHEON(1) ]