Medieval Glossary

Trebuchet

A large siege weapon used for hurling heavier projectiles than other siege weapons. Mechanically, it used both a weighted lever and a sling design. When the weight was released, the lever would pull the sling that fired the projectiles. This combination meant that the machine could not only handle heavier missiles, but could also fling them further and with greater accuracy.

Related term(s): Siege Weapon; Catapult; Ballista; Mangonel
Category: Siege Weapons and Artillery
Added: 07.05.04

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