pounce

/paʊns/

noun

  1. 1

    A type of fine powder, as of sandarac, or cuttlefish bone, sprinkled over wet ink to dry the ink after writing or on rough paper to smooth the writing surface.

  2. 2

    Charcoal dust, or some other coloured powder for making patterns through perforated designs, used by embroiderers, lacemakers, etc.

verb

  1. 1

    To sprinkle or rub with pounce powder.

    to pounce paper, or a pattern

noun

  1. 1

    A sudden leaping attack.

  2. 2

    The claw or talon of a bird of prey.

  3. 3

    A punch or stamp.

  4. 4

    Cloth worked in eyelet holes.

verb

  1. 1

    To leap into the air intending to seize someone or something.

    She pounced on the young man, because she loved him and wanted him for herself.
  2. 2

    To attack suddenly by leaping.

    I was awakened from a dead sleep by my child pouncing on top of me from out of nowhere.
  3. 3

    To eagerly seize an opportunity.

    I pounced on the chance to get promoted.
  4. 4

    To strike or seize with the talons; to pierce, as with the talons.

  5. 5

    To stamp holes in; to perforate.

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