Skip to main content
mangonel

mangonel

9.9
A medieval machine worked by people that throws large stones with a long arm
  • noun
  • /ˈmæŋɡəˌnɛl/
  • Archaic
translation icon : mangonel
  • The army used a mangonel to hurl stones over the castle walls.

Examples

  • Medieval manuscripts often depict the mangonel alongside other siege engines.

  • During the siege, engineers constructed a massive mangonel to breach the city gates.

  • The ancient mangonel was used to hurl stones over castle walls.

  • During the siege, the army deployed several mangonels for their attacks.

  • The medieval army used a mangonel to launch heavy stones at the castle walls.

  • During the siege, they deployed a mangonel to effectively batter the enemy defenses.

  • Constructed with a robust frame, the mangonel was crucial for hurling projectiles over great distances.

Synonyms

catapult
vsmangonel
35 6.6

A device that launches objects forward with great force, like planes from a ship

is a specific medieval type operated by people using a lever and sling
trebuchet
vsmangonel
4 9.9

A large medieval machine that throws heavy stones at walls

relies on a lever and sling powered by people rather than only a swing arm
ballista
vsmangonel
  • Archaic
1 9.9

A large ancient weapon like a crossbow that fires stones or heavy bolts

uses a different throwing mechanism based on a lever and sling
traction trebuchet
vsmangonel
  • Archaic
9.9

A simple catapult that people pull by ropes to throw heavy stones

focuses on manpower operation using a lever and sling in medieval use
bricole
vsmangonel
  • Archaic
9.9

A large medieval war machine like a catapult that threw heavy stones

describes the same manpower lever and sling method in simpler terms
trebucket
vsmangonel
9.9

A large medieval machine with a long arm that throws heavy stones

is more about a lever and sling method driven by human effort
onager
vsmangonel
  • Archaic
9.9

A large ancient Roman machine that threw heavy stones at walls

is similar in purpose but specifies manpower lever and sling operation
bolt thrower
vsmangonel
9.9

A large ancient weapon that shoots heavy arrows or stones during war

is a specific medieval lever and sling powered device rather than a generic launcher

Surface Forms

mangonel singular
mangonels plural

Etymology

The word mangonel comes from an old Greek word manganon meaning 'engine' or 'device', like our word engine. So a mangonel was a war 'engine', a human-powered machine that threw stones during sieges.