long tom

American  

noun

(usually initial capital letters)

1. a towed 155 mm field cannon produced by the United States throughout World War II.

2. a long, heavy cannon formerly carried by small naval vessels.

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long tom British  

noun

1. a long swivel cannon formerly used in naval warfare

2. a long-range land gun

3. an army slang name for cannon

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Etymology

Origin of long tom

First recorded in 1825–35

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

long tom

The Creole boy learns that he, too, can work with pick, pan, cradle, rocker, at the long tom, sluice, and in the tunnel drift.

From The Little Lady of Lagunitas A Franco-Californian Romance by Savage, Richard

Moving two of the nine-pounders across the deck, and cutting ports for them in the bulwarks, he brought five guns, in addition to his famous "long tom," to bear on the enemy.

From Gentlemen Rovers by Powell, E. Alexander (Edward Alexander)

There was plenty of ground called poor ground that had much gold in it but could not be profitably worked with the rocker and long tom.

From Death Valley in '49 by Manly, William Lewis

He is content to gather together by means of puddling machine, cradle, long tom, or even puddling tub and tin dish, the scales, specks, dust, and occasional small nuggets ordinarily met with in alluvial "washes."

From Getting Gold: a practical treatise for prospectors, miners and students by Johnson, J. C. F. (Joseph Colin Frances)

Another plan used and a better and faster method, was to use what they called the long tom.

From A Trip to California in 1853 Recollections of a Gold Seeking Trip by Ox Train across the Plains and Mountains by an Old Illinois Pioneer by Bailey, Washington

Related Words

• howitzer
• mortar
• ordnance