stern chaser

noun

1. a cannon mounted at or near the stern of a sailing ship, facing aft.

stern-chaser

noun

1. a gun mounted at the stern of a vessel for firing aft at a pursuing vessel

Word History and Origins

Origin of stern chaser¹

First recorded in 1805–15

Example Sentences

"I see you were just getting out a stern chaser," and he pointed to the gun.

From Project Gutenberg

The stern-chaser belched forth, and the shot tore across the water, but missed the Caroline.

From Project Gutenberg

She was a little larger than the James in length and beam, but had carried no armament other than the now damaged stern-chaser.

From Project Gutenberg

The vessel had swung round a little, so that her stern-chaser, a culverin twelve feet long, pointed full at the fort.

From Project Gutenberg

They feared he had made up his mind to run, and this gun was to be used as a stern-chaser.

From Project Gutenberg