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; 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

At that moment the door opened and a sturdy countryman entered, pulling his forelock as a mark of respect to Sir George, and handed him a petronel which I recognized only too well.

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

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

“We will resist them to the last,” said Guy Fawkes, drawing a petronel.

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

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