pounce

POUNCE, n. pouns.

1. Gum-sandarach pulverized, a fine powder used to prevent ink from spreading on paper.

2. Charcoal dust inclosed in some open stuff, as muslin, &c. to be passed over holes pricked in the work, to mark the lines or designs on a paper underneath. This kind of pounce is used by embroiderers to transfer their patterns upon their stuffs; also by lace-makers,and sometimes by engravers. It is also used in varnishing.

3. Cloth worked in eyelet-holes.

POUNCE, v.t. To sprinkle or rub with pounce.

POUNCE,n. [L. pungo.] The claw or talon of a bird of prey.

POUNCE, v.i. To fall on suddenly; to fall on and seize with the claws; as, a rapacious fowl pounces on a chicken.