LAUNCH  . (1) A verb meaning originally to hurl,

discharge a missile or other object, also to rush or shoot out suddenly or rapidly . It is particularly used of the setting afloat a vessel from the stocks on which she has been built . The word is an adaptation of O . Fr. lancher, lancier, to hurl, throw, Lat. lanceare, from lancea, a lance or spear . (2) The name of a particular type of boat, usually applied to one of the largest size of ships' boats, or to a large boat moved by electricity, steam or other power . The word is an adaptation of the Span. lancha, pinnace, which is usually connected with lanchara, the Portuguese name, common in 16th and 17th century histories, for a fast-moving small vessel . This word is of Malay origin and is derived from lanchar, quick, speedy .