culverin

The Sailor's Word-Book

An ancient cannon of about 5-1/4 inches bore, and from 9 to 12 feet long, carrying a ball of 18 pounds, with a first graze at 180 paces. Formerly a favourite sea-gun, its random range being 2500 paces.


The name is derived from a snake (coluber), or a dragon, being sculptured upon it, thus forming handles.

Related Words