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

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

It was a minute gun fired by the Americans in honour of the gallant dead.

From The Fifteen Decisive Battles of the World: from Marathon to Waterloo by Creasy, Edward Shepherd, Sir

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 Woolson, Constance Fenimore

Every one was about retiring for rest, when boom boom! from out of the darkness seaward came the roar of a minute gun.

From Aileen Aroon, A Memoir With other Tales of Faithful Friends and Favourites by Stables, Gordon

Ere the last minute gun sounded all was over.

From The Portland Peerage Romance by Archard, Charles J.