tampion

American  

[tam-pee-uhn] / ˈtæm pi ən /

noun

1. a plug or stopper placed in the muzzle of a piece of ordnance when not in use, to keep out dampness and dust.

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tampion British  

/ ˈtæmpɪən /

noun

1. a plug placed in a gun's muzzle when the gun is not in use to keep out moisture and dust

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Etymology

Origin of tampion

1425–75; late Middle English tampyon, variant of tampon < Middle French, nasalized variant of Old French tapon, derivative of tape plug < Germanic. See tap ²

Example Sentences

A tampion, or wad, of oakum or the like, was rammed down between the cartridge and the ball, and a second wad kept the ball in place.

From On the Spanish Main Or, Some English forays on the Isthmus of Darien. by Masefield, John