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

See Examples For:

petronel

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

From Seattle Times ● Jun. 3, 2022

Returning to his couch he re-fastened the door, trimmed his lamp, placed it in the chair beside his bed, examined his petronel, and again lay down with the weapon firmly grasped in his hand.

From William Shakespeare as he lived. An Historical Tale by Henry Curling

"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 William Harrison Ainsworth

We likewise presented a petronel, or horseman's pistol, and a brace of smaller pistols, finely damasked and in rich cases, having silken strings and gold tassels.

From A General History and Collection of Voyages and Travels — Volume 08 by Robert Kerr

He sprang up, striking the table with the palm of his hand until it sounded like the shot of a petronel.

From The Golden Dog by William Kirby