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demi-culverin

American  
[dem-ee-kuhl-ver-in] / ˌdɛm iˈkʌl vər ɪn /
Or demiculverin

noun

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


Etymology

Origin of demi-culverin

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

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

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

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

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

Our demi-culverin is bigger, I'se warrant, than any gun she has aboard.

From Project Gutenberg