javelin

n. [ F. javeline; akin to Sp. jabalina, It. giavelina, and F. javelot, OF. gavlot. Cf. Gavelock. ] 1. A sort of light spear, to be thrown or cast by the hand; anciently, a weapon of war used by horsemen and foot soldiers; now used chiefly in hunting the wild boar and other fierce game. [ 1913 Webster ]

Flies the javelin swifter to its mark,
Launched by the vigor of a Roman arm? Addison. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. (Sport) A wooden shaft resembling a spear, thrown by contestants in a contest called the javelin throw; the one throwing the javelin furthest wins the contest. The javelin throw is one of the field events of the modern Olympic Games. [ PJC ]