demi-culverin

or dem·i·cul·ver·in

[ dem-ee-kuhl-ver-in ]

noun

1. a culverin having a bore of about 4½ inches (11 centimeters) and firing a shot of about 10 pounds (5 kilograms).

Word History and Origins

Origin of demi-culverin¹

From the French word demi-coulevrine, dating back to 1580–90; demi-, culverin

Example Sentences

Meanwhile Dennis had spied the muzzle of a demi-culverin projecting from the roof of the round tower, and summoning to his assistance a white man who was among his party, he ran up and began with all haste to load the gun.

From Project Gutenberg

Pray you one be the saker stolen by the knaves from the Jesus; t'other might be the demi-culverin you fired so famously.

From Project Gutenberg

But certainly one ship would be easier to deal with than two; might not another fortunate shot from the demi-culverin cripple the vessel in chase, and so enable the Mirandola to get away from one of her pursuers?

From Project Gutenberg

He had no sooner set the cup out of his hand but a demi-culverin shot struck away the cup, and a cooper's plane that stood by the mainmast, and ran out on the other side of the ship; the which nothing dismayed our General, for he ceased not to encourage and cheer us.

From Project Gutenberg

With their assistance he slung the demi-culverin by its pomelion, and the men above hoisted it to the deck; the carriage followed, then its ammunition, and Amos set about mounting it.

From Project Gutenberg