minute gun

American  

[min-it] / ˈmɪn ɪt /

noun

1. a cannon fired at intervals of a minute, especially as a signal of distress or in a military funeral ceremony.

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minute gun British  

/ ˈmɪnɪt /

noun

1. a gun fired at one-minute intervals as a sign of distress or mourning

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Etymology

Origin of minute gun

First recorded in 1720–30

Example Sentences

Philip’s coffin was borne to the chapel on a bespoke Defender TD 130 in military green as a minute gun fired eight times.

From Reuters • Apr. 16, 2021

Every now and then, too, when his feelings overpowered him, he would discharge a 'Woof,' like a minute gun at sea.

From Recollections of Geoffrey Hamlyn by Kingsley, Henry

When the loud minute gun alarms the night, And plunging waters hide the bark from sight, When lurid lightnings threat, and thunders roll.

From Laura Secord, the heroine of 1812. A Drama. and Other Poems. by Curzon, Sarah Anne

The front door of the vicarage slammed like a minute gun.

From The Wonderful Visit by Wells, H. G. (Herbert George)

It was a minute gun fired by the Americans in honour of the gallant dead.

From The Fifteen Decisive Battles of the World: from Marathon to Waterloo by Creasy, Edward Shepherd, Sir