Dart (?), n. [OF. dart, of German origin; cf. OHG. tart javelin, dart, AS. dara, daro, Sw. dart dagger, Icel. darrar dart.]
1.
A pointed missile weapon, intended to be thrown by the hand; a short lance; a javelin; hence, any sharp-pointed missile weapon, as an arrow.
And he [Joab] took three darts in his hand, and thrust them through the heart of Absalom.
2 Sa. xviii. 14.
2.
Anything resembling a dart; anything that pierces or wounds like a dart.
The artful inquiry, whose venomed dart
Scarce wounds the hearing while it stabs the heart.
Hannan More.
3.
A spear set as a prize in running.
[Obs.]
Chaucer.
4. Zool.
A fish; the dace. See Dace.
Dart sac Zool., a sac connected with the reproductive organs of land snails, which contains a dart, or arrowlike structure.
© Webster 1913.
Dart, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Darted; p. pr. & vb. n. Darting.]
1.
To throw with a sudden effort or thrust, as a dart or other missile weapon; to hurl or launch.
2.
To throw suddenly or rapidly; to send forth; to emit; to shoot; as, the sun darts forth his beams.
Or what ill eyes malignant glances dart?
Pope.
© Webster 1913.
Dart, v. i.
1.
To fly or pass swiftly, as a dart.
2.
To start and run with velocity; to shoot rapidly along; as, the deer darted from the thicket.
© Webster 1913.