swivel gun

American  

noun

1. a gun mounted on a pedestal so that it can be turned from side to side or up and down.

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Etymology

Origin of swivel gun

First recorded in 1705–15

Example Sentences

The chamber in which they were found was a separate piece of a breach-loading swivel gun that was likely kept on the top deck because it was used as an anti-personnel weapon, Farrell said.

From Seattle Times • Jan. 15, 2018

But the man who was at home behind a swivel gun proved ill at ease behind a desk.

From Time Magazine Archive

They had one swivel gun, which they mounted, and fired as soon as it was fixed, that the Indians might know they had such pieces.

From The Life of Benjamin Franklin Illustrated by Tales, Sketches, and Anecdotes by Goodrich, Samuel G. (Samuel Griswold)

The great swivel gun amidships was being cleared for action, and our captain was giving orders beside it as coolly and quietly as if nothing unusual had occurred that day.

From Freaks on the Fells Three Months' Rustication by Ballantyne, R. M. (Robert Michael)

We examined, too, our ordnance, which was but meagre and ill-fashioned; we had three pieces on either side, besides a small swivel gun on poop and forecastle.

From Sir Ludar A Story of the Days of the Great Queen Bess by Reed, Talbot Baines