Merriam-Webster Collegiate Dictionary - pounce

 I. noun  Etymology: Middle English, punching tool, dagger, talon — more at punch  Date: 15th century the claw of a bird of prey  II. intransitive verb  (~d; pouncing)  Date: 1744  1.  a. to swoop upon and seize something with or as if with talons  b. to seize upon and make capital of something (as another's blunder or an opportunity)  2. to make a sudden assault or approach  III. noun  Date: 1841 the act of pouncing  IV. transitive verb  (~d; pouncing)  Etymology: Middle French poncer, from ponce  Date: 1535 to dust, rub, finish, or stencil with ~  V. noun  Etymology: French ponce pumice, from Middle French, from Late Latin pomic-, pomex, alteration of Latin pumic-, pumex — more at foam  Date: circa 1706  1. a fine powder formerly used to prevent ink from spreading  2. a fine powder for making stenciled patterns