cascabel

[ kas-kuh-bel ]

noun

1. a knoblike projection at the rear of the breech of a muzzleloading cannon.

cascabel

/ ˈkæskəˌbɛl /

noun

1. a knoblike protrusion on the rear part of the breech of an obsolete muzzle-loading cannon
2. the rear part itself

Word History and Origins

Origin of cascabel¹

1630–40; < Spanish: little round bell, rattle < Old Provençal cascavel, akin to Medieval Latin *cascabellus, equivalent to Vulgar Latin *cascab ( us ) (variant of Latin caccabus pot) + Latin -ellus diminutive suffix

Word History and Origins

Origin of cascabel¹

C17: from Spanish: small bell, rattle, of uncertain origin

Example Sentences

While uttering these words she had drawn from her girdle a small stiletto, with a blade sharp as the tongue of a cascabel.

From Project Gutenberg

Here we found the two small ranchos, known as Cascabel, and stopped for the night.

From Project Gutenberg

At meridian the ensign was run up, and the ship went into commission under the command of Captain Cascabel.

From Project Gutenberg

He went on deck, where he found Captain Cascabel and the first lieutenant, smoking their cigars.

From Project Gutenberg

Captain Cascabel bowed to Somers, and intimated that he had no further need of him at present.

From Project Gutenberg