bolas
/ˈbəʊləs
/noun [treated as singular or plural]
(Especially in South America) a missile consisting of a number of balls connected by strong cord, which when thrown entangles the limbs of the quarry.A Zulu warrior performs a war dance; an Argentinean performs Flamenco with flashing bolas like silver whips....
- Inspired by South American cowboys, some forces deploy bolas, several yards of rope weighted with rubber balls, to entangle a suspect's legs.
- But technology remained limited to the branding of animals, the burning of natural pastures, and the use of lassoes, bolas, and knives.
Origin
Early 19th century: from Spanish and Portuguese, plural of bola 'ball'.