falconet

American  

[fawl-kuh-net, fal-, faw-kuh-] / ˈfɔl kəˌnɛt, ˈfæl-, ˈfɔ kə- /

noun

1. any of several small Asian falcons, especially of the genus Microhierax.

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falconet British  

/ ˈfɔːkə-, ˈfɔːlkəˌnɛt /

noun

1. any of various small falcons, esp any of the Asiatic genus Microhierax

2. a small light cannon used from the 15th to 17th centuries

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Etymology

Origin of falconet

First recorded in 1850–55; falcon + -et

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

falconet

How vivo affected aiming is easily seen: with its bore level, a 4-pounder falconet ranged 250 paces.

From Artillery Through the Ages A Short Illustrated History of Cannon, Emphasizing Types Used in America by Manucy, Albert

It had been pierced for only a short gun—a minion or falconet perhaps; and doubtless within three feet of him was a stone walk extending for the whole length of the wall.

From With Drake on the Spanish Main by Strang, Herbert

Apparently they were watching the departing pinnace with so much interest that they had not observed the muzzle of the falconet projecting from the wall.

From With Drake on the Spanish Main by Strang, Herbert

He was always a good shot with a falconet or a mortar-piece.

From Micah Clarke His Statement as made to his three grandchildren Joseph, Gervas and Reuben During the Hard Winter of 1734 by Doyle, Arthur Conan, Sir

As the fierce falcon hawk gave its name to the falcon and falconet, so the saker was named for the saker hawk; rabinet, meaning "rooster," was therefore a suitable name for the falcon's small-bore cousin.

From Artillery Through the Ages A Short Illustrated History of Cannon, Emphasizing Types Used in America by Manucy, Albert