E. Cobham Brewer 1810–1897. Dictionary of Phrase and Fable. 1898.
Balearica Tormenta.
Here tormenta means instruments for throwing stones. Cæsar (Gallic War, iv. 25) says: “Fundis, tormentis, sagittis hostes propellere.” The inhabitants of the Balearic Islands were noted slingers, and indeed owe their name to this skill. (Greek, ballo, to cast or hurl.) Pronounce Bal-e-ari-ca.
