long tom

American  

noun

(usually initial capital letters)

1. a towed 155 mm field cannon produced by the United States throughout World War II.

2. a long, heavy cannon formerly carried by small naval vessels.

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long tom British  

noun

1. a long swivel cannon formerly used in naval warfare

2. a long-range land gun

3. an army slang name for cannon

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Etymology

Origin of long tom

First recorded in 1825–35

Example Sentences

Another plan used and a better and faster method, was to use what they called the long tom.

From A Trip to California in 1853 Recollections of a Gold Seeking Trip by Ox Train across the Plains and Mountains by an Old Illinois Pioneer by Bailey, Washington

A "long tom" is an inclined, narrow box set stationary with a constant stream of water entering at the upper end.

From The Business of Mining A brief non-technical exposition of the principles involved in the profitable operation of mines by Hoskin, Arthur J.

There was plenty of ground called poor ground that had much gold in it but could not be profitably worked with the rocker and long tom.

From Death Valley in '49 by Manly, William Lewis

With a long tom, two men will ordinarily handle about five or six cubic yards in ten hours.

From The Business of Mining A brief non-technical exposition of the principles involved in the profitable operation of mines by Hoskin, Arthur J.

He is content to gather together by means of puddling machine, cradle, long tom, or even puddling tub and tin dish, the scales, specks, dust, and occasional small nuggets ordinarily met with in alluvial "washes."

From Getting Gold: a practical treatise for prospectors, miners and students by Johnson, J. C. F. (Joseph Colin Frances)

Related Words

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• mortar
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