harquebus

noun

har·​que·​bus ˈhär-kwi-(ˌ)bəs How to pronounce harquebus (audio)
-kə-bəs
variants or arquebus
: a matchlock gun invented in the 15th century which was portable but heavy and was usually fired from a support
harquebusier noun

Word History

Etymology

Middle French harquebuse, arquebuse, modification of Middle Dutch hakebusse, from hake hook + busse tube, box, gun, from Late Latin buxis box

First Known Use

1532, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of harquebus was in 1532

Dictionary Entries Near harquebus

Cite this Entry

“Harquebus.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/harquebus. Accessed 18 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

harquebus

noun
har·​que·​bus ˈhär-kwi-(ˌ)bəs How to pronounce harquebus (audio)
variants or arquebus
: a portable firearm of the 15th and 16th centuries later replaced by the musket

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