POUNCE

I. noun see: punch Date: 15th century the claw of a bird of prey, II. intransitive verb (~d; pouncing) Date: 1744 1. to swoop upon and seize something with or as if with talons, to seize upon and make capital of something (as another's blunder or an opportunity), to make a sudden assault or approach, III. noun Date: 1841 the act of pouncing, IV. transitive verb (~d; pouncing) Etymology: Middle French poncer, from ponce Date: 1535 to dust, rub, finish, or stencil with ~, V. noun see: foam Date: circa 1706 a fine powder formerly used to prevent ink from spreading, a fine powder for making stenciled patterns