Main Entry: jav·e·lin

Pronunciation: \ˈjav-lən, ˈja-və-\

Function: noun

Etymology: Middle English chafeveleyn, from Middle French javeline, alteration of javelot, of Celtic origin; akin to Old Irish gabul forked stick

Date: 15th century

1 : a light spear thrown as a weapon of war or in hunting
2 : a slender usually metal shaft at least 260 centimeters long that is thrown for distance in a field event