I. ˈjav(ə)lə̇n noun
( -s )
Etymology: Middle French javeline, alteration of javelot, of Celtic origin; akin to Welsh gaflach spear, Old Irish gabul forked stick, fork — more at gaffle
1.
a. : a light spear cast usually by hand as a weapon of war or in hunting wild boar and other big game
b. archaic : a long-shafted combat weapon (as a pike) tipped with metal and used for thrusting
2. or javelin man : a man armed with a javelin ; especially : a javelin-bearing member of the escort of an English judge
3.
a. : a slender shaft of wood not less than 260 centimeters long, tipped with iron or steel, and intended to be thrown for distance as an athletic feat or exercise
b. or javelin throw : an athletic field event in which a javelin is thrown for distance
4. or javelin formation : a formation of military airplanes (as bombers) in which the elements fly one behind the other in line though not always at the same altitude
II. transitive verb
( -ed/-ing/-s )
1. : to pierce with or as if with a javelin
lightning javelins the hills
2. : to throw or hurl like a javelin
pieces of tin and board stuck in the mud where they had been javelined by the heavy explosions — H.D.Skidmore