carbine

American  

[kahr-been, -bahyn] / ˈkɑr bin, -baɪn /

noun

1. a light, gas-operated semiautomatic rifle.

2. (formerly) a short rifle used in the cavalry.

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carbine British  

/ ˈkɑːbaɪn /

noun

1. a light automatic or semiautomatic rifle of limited range

2. Also called: carabin.   carabine.  a light short-barrelled shoulder rifle formerly used by cavalry

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Etymology

Origin of carbine

1595–1605; earlier carabine < Middle French: small harquebus, weapon borne by a carabin a lightly armed cavalryman, compared with ( e ) scarabin gravedigger for plague victims (< Provençal, akin to French escarbot cockchafer, dung beetle ≪ Latin scarabaeus scarab ), though semantic change is unclear

Example Sentences

But any of them might point to Don Hogan Charles’ photo of him peering out of his window while holding an M1 carbine.

From Salon

Instantly, Booth dropped the carbine and crumpled to his knees.

From Literature

Two German sailors, who were armed with light submachine guns and carbines, were with them.

From Literature

Possible sales of firearms were also discussed with Colt CZ Group, the Czech holding company that owns the long-established U.S. carbine and rifle maker, the source said.

From Reuters

Mr. Lerner, whose combat experience was limited to three snowy days firing a carbine from a trench in Luxembourg during the Battle of the Bulge, recalled a foray behind enemy lines.

From New York Times

Related Words

• rifle