throwing stick

American  

noun

1. a short, straight or curved stick, flat or cylindrical in form, often having a hand grip, and used generally in preliterate societies as a hunting weapon to throw at birds and small game.

2. Australian.  a boomerang.

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throwing stick British  

noun

1. a primitive device for hurling a spear with greater leverage, consisting of a rod with a groove in it and a hook or projection at the back end to hold the weapon until its release

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Etymology

Origin of throwing stick

First recorded in 1760–70

Example Sentences

He loved throwing sticks as far as he could while walking around his family’s wheat and rice farm.

From Seattle Times

“The police sacrificed the lady after the students began throwing sticks and stones at them, then the students used stones and sticks to beat the lady. After being beaten, she was set on fire.”

From Reuters

The investigators acknowledged that police officers suffered serious beatings and attacks from protesters throwing sticks and stones.

From Washington Post

People often try to scare them off by “using fires, shouting while throwing sticks, and even gunshots,” Kuswanda wrote in the paper.

From Science Magazine

Dr. Thieme had called his find a “throwing stick” but lacked evidence to support his claim.

From New York Times