launched

1 definition found

launched - Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 :

  Launch \Launch\ (l[add]nch or l[aum]nch), v. i. [imp. & p. p.
     Launched (l[add]ncht or l[aum]ncht); p. pr. & vb. n.
     Launching.] [OE. launchen to throw as a lance, OF.
     lanchier, another form of lancier, F. lancer, fr. lance
     lance. See Lance.] [Written also lanch.]
     1. To throw, as a lance or dart; to hurl; to let fly.
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     2. To strike with, or as with, a lance; to pierce. [Obs.]
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              Launch your hearts with lamentable wounds.
                                                    --Spenser.
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     3. To cause to move or slide from the land into the water; to
        set afloat; as, to launch a ship.
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              With stays and cordage last he rigged the ship,
              And rolled on levers, launched her in the deep.
                                                    --Pope.
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     4. To send out; to start (one) on a career; to set going; to
        give a start to (something); to put in operation; as, to
        launch a son in the world; to launch a business project or
        enterprise.
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              All art is used to sink episcopacy, and launch
              presbytery in England.                --Eikon
                                                    Basilike.
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