minute gun

[ min-it ]

noun

1. a cannon fired at intervals of a minute, especially as a signal of distress or in a military funeral ceremony.

minute gun

/ ˈmɪnɪt /

noun

1. a gun fired at one-minute intervals as a sign of distress or mourning

Word History and Origins

Origin of minute gun¹

First recorded in 1720–30

Example Sentences

It was a minute-gun, fired by the Americans in honour of their fallen foe, the gallant dead.

From Project Gutenberg

His questions had come in gasps, like short breakers out of a rising sea; her answers had fallen like the minute-gun above it.

From Project Gutenberg

All yesterday the minute-gun was booming through the fog to warn ships off the rocks—such a strangely solemn sound.

From Project Gutenberg