Launch | Webster's Dictionary (1865)

Läunch, v. t.

verbtransitive

(66), v. t. [imp. & p. p. LAUNCHED (läncht); p. pr. & vb. n. LAUNCHING.] [O. Fr. lancer, lanchier. Cf. LANCH.]

To cause to move or slide from the land into the water; as, to launch a ship.
To send forth or dispatch; to cut off from dependence; as, to launch one on the world.
To throw, as a spear or dart; to send forth. [Written also lanch.]
To strike with a lance; to pierce; to wound. [Obs.] “Launch your hearts with lamentable wounds.” Spenser.

Läunch, v. i.

verbintransitive

v. i. 1. To go forth, as a ship into the water; as, to launch into the wide world. 2. To expatiate in language; as, to launch into a wide field of discussion.

Läunch, n.

noun

n. 1. The sliding or movement of a ship from the land into the water, on ways prepared for the purpose. 2. (Naut.) The largest size of boat belonging to a ship, being double-banked, and used for heavy work, as the carrying of loads, &c. Totten.