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

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

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

Ere the last minute gun sounded, all was over.

From Lord George Bentinck A Political Biography by Disraeli, Benjamin, Earl of Beaconsfield

The shadows closed upon us, a mist rose, flooding over us, and far off the cold split a tree asunder with loud report as of some minute gun.

From A Man in the Open by Pocock, Roger

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