From The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:
Missile \Mis"sile\, a. [L. missils, fr. mittere, missum, to
cause to go, to send, to throw; cf. Lith. mesti to throw: cf.
F. missile. Cf. Admit, Dismiss, Mass the religious
service, Message, Mission.]
Capable of being thrown; adapted for hurling or to be
projected from the hand, or from any instrument or engine[2],
so as to strike an object at a distance.
[1913 Webster]
We bend the bow, or wing the missile dart. --Pope.
[1913 Webster]
From The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:
Missile \Mis"sile\, n. [L. missile.]
1. A weapon thrown or projected or intended to be projected,
as a lance, an arrow, or a bullet.
[1913 Webster]
2. A rocket-propelled device designed to fly through the air
and deliver a warhead of explosive materials to a target.
[PJC]
Note: Numerous types of rocket-propelled missile[2] are now
used in modern warfare. Some types with names
indicating their range or function are: antiaircraft
missile; ballistic missile; cruise missile;
antiballistic missile missile; air-to-air missile;
air-to-ground missile; guided missile;
intercontinental ballistic missile (IBM);
intermediate range ballistic missile (IRBM);
surface-to-air missile.