minute gun

American  

[min-it] / ˈmɪn ɪt /

noun

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

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minute gun British  

/ ˈmɪnɪt /

noun

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

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Etymology

Origin of minute gun

First recorded in 1720–30

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

minute gun

Philip’s coffin was borne to the chapel on a bespoke Defender TD 130 in military green as a minute gun fired eight times.

From Reuters ● Apr. 16, 2021

Ere the last minute gun sounded all was over.

From The Portland Peerage Romance by Charles J. Archard

The front door of the vicarage slammed like a minute gun.

From The Wonderful Visit by H. G. (Herbert George) Wells

There was never any further question, by the way, about that minute gun at sea; it stayed at sea as far as we were concerned.

From Solomon by Constance Fenimore Woolson

Now and again an unfastened door swung open and shut again, with a bang like a minute gun.

From The Visionary Pictures From Nordland by Jessie Muir