/spear"throh'euhr/ , n. Anthropol.
1. a flexible device for launching a spear, usually a short cord wound around the spear so that when thrown the weapon will rotate in the air.
2. Also called atlatl . a rigid device for increasing the speed and distance of a spear when thrown, usually a flat wooden stick with a handhold and a peg or socket to accommodate the butt end of the spear.
[ 1870-75 ]