Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary · 1913

Catapult

Catapult , noun

[Latin catapulta, Greek {not transcribed}, prob. from kata` down + {not transcribed} to shake, hurl.]

1.
(Military Antiquities) An engine somewhat resembling a massive crossbow, used by the ancient Greeks and Romans for throwing stones, arrows, spears, etc.
2.
A forked stick with elastic band for throwing small stones, etc.