pounce1
v.
- spring or swoop suddenly to catch or as if to catch prey.
- notice and take swift advantage of a mistake or sign of weakness.
n.
an act of pouncing.
Derivative
Etymology
ME (denoting a tool for punching, later ‘claw, talon’): origin obscure, perh. from puncheon1.
pounce2
n.
- a fine resinous powder formerly used to prevent ink from spreading on unglazed paper or to prepare parchment to receive writing.
- powdered charcoal or other fine powder dusted over a perforated pattern to transfer the design to the surface beneath.
v.
- smooth down by rubbing with pounce or pumice.
- transfer (a design) by the use of pounce.
Derivative
Etymology
C16: from Fr. poncer, based on L. pumex ‘pumice’.