![ballista ballista](https://www.tekportal.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/ballista-6958.jpg)
< /bəˈlɪs ti/.
- an ancient military engine for throwing stones or other missiles.
noun plural -tae (-tiː)
- an ancient catapult for hurling stones, etc
- an ancient form of large crossbow used to propel a spear
ancient war engine, late 14c., from Latin ballista, literally “a throwing machine,” from Greek ballein “to throw” (see ballistics).