1. 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.
Derivatives:
pouncer n.
Etymology: perh. f. PUNCHEON(1) 2. n. & v.
--n.
1. a fine powder formerly used to prevent ink from spreading on unglazed paper.
2 powdered charcoal etc. dusted over a perforated pattern to transfer the design to the object beneath.
--v.tr.
1. dust with pounce.
2 transfer (a design etc.) by use of pounce.
3 smooth (paper etc.) with pounce or pumice.
Derivatives:
pouncer n.
Etymology: F ponce, poncer f. L pumex PUMICE