harquebus

noun

: a matchlock gun invented in the 15th century which was portable but heavy and was usually fired from a support

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

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Cite this Entry

“Harquebus.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/harquebus. Accessed 29 Mar. 2025.

Kids Definition

: a portable firearm of the 15th and 16th centuries later replaced by the musket

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