pounce

Meanings

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

1. To sprinkle or rub with pounce powder.

1. A sudden leaping attack.
2. The claw or talon of a bird of prey.
3. A punch or stamp.
4. Cloth worked in eyelet holes.
5. Synonym of bump (“sudden movement of underground strata”).

1. To leap into the air intending to seize someone or something.
2. To attack suddenly by leaping.
3. To eagerly seize an opportunity.
4. To strike or seize with the talons; to pierce, as with the talons.
5. To stamp holes in; to perforate.

Etymology

From French ponce, from Latin pūmex. Doublet of pumice.