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

A little falconet was also placed in the upper chamber.

From Calavar or The Knight of The Conquest, A Romance of Mexico by Bird, Robert Montgomery

The galley came straight for them as if seeking speech, however, and when a falconet was fired from the carack without charge, she lowered her sail and put out her sweeps, coming straight for them.

From Nuala O'Malley by Bedford-Jones, H.

The term falcon is by sportsmen restricted to the female, the male, which is smaller and less courageous, being called tiercel, tersel, tercelet, or falconet.

From The New Gresham Encyclopedia Volume 4, Part 3: Estremoz to Felspar by Various

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

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