siege engine /ˈsiːd͡ʒ ˌɛnd͡ʒɪn/ noun1 •(historical) A large weapon of war used during ancient and medieval times to batter fortifications, settlements, etc.; specifically, a trebuchet or other type of catapult.The cavalry were on the wings and the siege-engines, mangonels and catapults, planted on sand-dunes. — 1934 formssiege engines · siege-engines