Lewis & Short

† chēlē, ēs, f., = χηλή (the claws or arms of animals).

  1. * I. In mechanics, the claw-shaped part of the ballista, the trigger: manicula, Vitr. 10, 15 and 17.
  2. II. Plur.: chēlae, ārum, f.; in astron., lit. the arms of Scorpio; but, since these extend into Libra, meton. Libra, Verg. G. 1, 33; Cic. Arat. 293; Col. 10, 56; Luc. 1, 659; Manil. 4, 203; cf. Claud. Cons. Mall. Theod. 120.