arquebus

[ ahr-kwuh-buhs ]

noun

, plural ar·que·bus·es.

1. any of several small-caliber long guns operated by a matchlock or wheel-lock mechanism, dating from about 1400.

arquebus

/ ˈɑːkwɪbəs /

noun

1. a portable long-barrelled gun dating from the 15th century: fired by a wheel-lock or matchlock Also calledhackbuthagbut

Word History and Origins

Origin of arquebus¹

First recorded in 1525–35; from Middle French harquebusche (with intrusive -r- ), from Middle Dutch hākebusse, equivalent to hāke “hook“ + busse “gun” (literally, “box”), from Late Latin buxis for Latin buxus “box tree, boxwood; flute made from boxwood”; box ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of arquebus¹

C16: via Old French harquebuse from Middle Dutch hakebusse, literally: hook gun, from the shape of the butt, from hake hook + busse box, gun, from Late Latin busis box

Example Sentences

Betwixt the third couple of towers were the butts for arquebus, crossbow, and arbalist.

From Project Gutenberg

Arquebus, a hand-gun; a species of fire-arm of the sixteenth century, resembling a musket.

From Project Gutenberg

To handle the pike or arquebus efficiently required long training, and veterans were always accepted before recruits.

From Project Gutenberg

It was arranged that upon the discharge of an arquebus they were to surround the dwelling and suffer no one to escape.

From Project Gutenberg

At the concerted signal four of the Spaniards rushed forward, the fifth discharged his arquebus.

From Project Gutenberg