[buh-lis-tuh] 
[-tee] . | an ancient military engine for throwing stones or other missiles. |
s, dial. var. of *ballist
s, equiv. to báll(ein) to throw + -istēs -ist 
| bal·lis·ta (bə-lĭs'tə) n. pl. bal·lis·tae (-tē') An ancient and medieval engine of warfare used to hurl heavy projectiles at a target. [Latin, from Greek ballistēs, from ballein, to throw; see gwelə- in Indo-European roots.] |