Definition of pounce

• n. - A fine powder, as of sandarac, or cuttlefish bone, -- formerly used to prevent ink from spreading on manuscript.
• n. - Charcoal dust, or some other colored powder for making patterns through perforated designs, -- used by embroiderers, lace makers, etc.
• v. t. - To sprinkle or rub with pounce; as, to pounce paper, or a pattern.
• v. t. - The claw or talon of a bird of prey.
• v. t. - A punch or stamp.
• v. t. - Cloth worked in eyelet holes.
• v. t. - To strike or seize with the talons; to pierce, as with the talons.
• v. t. - To punch; to perforate; to stamp holes in, or dots on, by way of ornament.
• v. i. - To fall suddenly and seize with the claws; -- with on or upon; as, a hawk pounces upon a chicken. Also used figuratively.