[f. THROW v.1 + STICK sb.] a. A heavy, usually curved, piece of wood used as a missile; an ancient kind of boomerang. b. A stick with which a spear or dart is thrown: = THROWING-STICK a.
1837. Wilkinson, Mann. & Cust. Anc. Egypt., viii. III. 38. The use of the throw-stick was very general. Ibid. (1857), Egypt. in Time Pharaohs, 80. Birds were felled with the throwstick, a weapon of hard wood,… slightly curved … like the boomarang.
1869. Boutell, Arms & Arm., vi. (1874), 84. When the dart is discharged, the wummera, or throw-stick,… remains in the warrior’s hand.
c. 1875. H. B. Tristram, in Queen’s Printers’ Bible-Aids, 57. In 1 Sam. xxvi. 20 allusion is made to chasing partridges on the hills with throw-sticks.
