n.
Pronunciation: ' jav-l ə n, ' ja-v ə -
Function: noun
Etymology: Middle English chafeveleyn, from Middle French javeline, alteration of javelot, of Celtic origin; akin to Old Irish gabul forked stick
Date: 15th century
1 : a light spear thrown as a weapon of war or in hunting
2 : a slender usually metal shaft at least 260 centimeters long that is thrown for distance in a field event