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culverin

noun
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cul·​ver·​in | \ ˈkəl-və-rən How to pronounce culverin (audio) \

Definition of culverin

: an early firearm:
a : a rude musket
b : a long cannon (such as an 18-pounder) of the 16th and 17th centuries

Examples of culverin in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Researchers recently found medieval cannonballs from culverins, an early form of cannon, that were most likely used by Vlad the Impaler, during his bloody battle in 1461 with the Ottoman Turks. — Fox News, "Remains of 19th-century ‘vampire' found," 5 Aug. 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'culverin.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of culverin

15th century, in the meaning defined above

History and Etymology for culverin

Middle English, from Middle French couleuvrine, from couleuvre snake, from Latin colubra

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The first known use of culverin was in the 15th century

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Cite this Entry

“Culverin.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/culverin. Accessed 7 Apr. 2020.

More from Merriam-Webster on culverin

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for culverin

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about culverin

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