swivel gun

Definition

A small cannon attached to a swivel or pivot. It was usually located on a ship's rail so it could have a large range of fire, and could fire anything ranging from small round balls of lead to cannon balls.

Example Sentences

• "On this roof a heavy swivel-gun was to be placed to command shipping, while howitzers on each side were to form a flanking defense in connection with the neighboring towers."
• "The captain came to the break of the quarter-deck and, perceiving the fun afoot, leaned on the swivel-gun."