culverin

[ kuhl-ver-in ]

noun

1. medieval form of musket.
2. a kind of heavy cannon used in the 16th and 17th centuries.

culverin

/ ˈkʌlvərɪn /

noun

1. a long-range medium to heavy cannon used during the 15th, 16th, and 17th centuries
2. a medieval musket

Word History and Origins

Origin of culverin¹

1400–50; late Middle English < Middle French coulevrine < Latin colubrīna, feminine of colubrīnus colubrine

Word History and Origins

Origin of culverin¹

C15: from Old French coulevrine, from couleuvre, from Latin coluber serpent

Example Sentences

He had in his charge a huge culverin which inflicted great damage on the English.

From Project Gutenberg

At one single volley Maître Jean's culverin overthrew the palisade.

From Project Gutenberg

You will also, Leroux, mount a culverin on the platform of the mirador, whence we shall command the course of the Gila.

From Project Gutenberg

And I don't know this Lady Culverin—never met her in my life!

From Project Gutenberg

Bertie (plaintively, after Lady Culverin has left the room).

From Project Gutenberg