bombard

Definition

A medieval primitive cannon, used chiefly in sieges for throwing heavy stone balls.

Etymology

From Middle English bombard, from Middle French bombarde (“a bombard, mortar, catapult"; also "a bassoon-like musical instrument”), from Latin bombus (“buzzing; booming”). The modern pronunciation is from modern French bombarde.

Example Sentences

• "They planted in divers places twelve great bombards, wherewith they threw huge stones into the air, which, falling down into the city, might break down the houses."
• "[…] yond same black cloud, yond huge one, / looks like a foul bombard that would shed his liquor."
• "With mines and parallels contracts the space; Then bids the battering floats his labors crown And pour their bombard on the shuddering town"