Standard Lemma guide

stonecatcher

noun · 2 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

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1

noun

Meaning 1

Something that catches or traps stones.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

2

noun

Meaning 2

A person who shows mercy by intervening when someone is treated with overly harsh or cruel punishments.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: figuratively

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

History

Etymology

From stone + catcher. The metaphoric meaning refers to the biblical verse (John 8:7) "let he who is without sin cast the first stone", and was popularized by Bryan Stevenson, who heard the term used by a woman in a Louisiana courtroom.