ballistae

< /bəˈlɪs ti/.

1. an ancient military engine for throwing stones or other missiles.

noun plural -tae (-tiː)

1. an ancient catapult for hurling stones, etc
2. an ancient form of large crossbow used to propel a spear

n.

ancient war engine, late 14c., from Latin ballista, literally “a throwing machine,” from Greek ballein “to throw” (see ballistics).