I. ˈpau̇n(t)s noun
Etymology: Middle English, punching tool, dagger, talon — more at punch
Date: 15th century
: the claw of a bird of prey
II. intransitive verb
( pounced ; pounc·ing )
Date: 1744
1.
a. : to swoop upon and seize something with or as if with talons
b. : to seize upon and make capital of something (as another's blunder or an opportunity)
2. : to make a sudden assault or approach
III. noun
Date: 1841
: the act of pouncing
IV. transitive verb
( pounced ; pounc·ing )
Etymology: Middle French poncer, from ponce
Date: 1535
: to dust, rub, finish, or stencil with pounce
V. noun
Etymology: French ponce pumice, from Middle French, from Late Latin pomic-, pomex, alteration of Latin pumic-, pumex — more at foam
Date: circa 1706
1. : a fine powder formerly used to prevent ink from spreading
2. : a fine powder for making stenciled patterns