petronel

American  

[pe-truh-nl] / ˈpɛ trə nl /

noun

1. a firearm of large caliber, used from the 15th to the 17th century, that fired with its butt resting against the chest.

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petronel British  

/ ˈpɛtrəˌnɛl /

noun

1. a firearm of large calibre used in the 16th and early 17th centuries, esp by cavalry soldiers

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Etymology

Origin of petronel

1570–80; < Middle French petrinal, dialectal variant of poitrinal, equivalent to poitrine chest (< Vulgar Latin *pectorīna, noun use of feminine of *pectorīnus of the breast; see pectoral, -ine ¹) + -al -al ¹

Example Sentences

Sirjana Kaur misspelled petronel — a portable firearm used in the 16th and 17th centuries.

From Seattle Times • Jun. 3, 2022

A ball from the petronel of Guy Fawkes pierced his brain, and dropping from his saddle, he sank, together with his horse, which he dragged along with him into the quagmire.

From Guy Fawkes or The Gunpowder Treason by Ainsworth, William Harrison

"I am in earnest," said Mistress Nutter, aiming the petronel, "and seldom miss my mark."

From The Lancashire Witches A Romance of Pendle Forest by Ainsworth, William Harrison

Repressing the exclamation that rose to his lips, he drew a petronel from his belt, and waited till the person addressed him.

From Guy Fawkes or The Gunpowder Treason by Ainsworth, William Harrison

Joyce unslung his petronel, and covered his antagonist when within fifteen or twenty paces.

From A Lad of Grit A Story of Adventure on Land and Sea in Restoration Times by Westerman, Percy F. (Percy Francis)