basilisk
1
9.9
- noun
- Archaic
- The historical document detailed how the basilisk contributed to naval warfare during its time.
Examples
-
The armies used a powerful basilisk to defend their position during the siege.
-
In all cases, the Basilisk is most often positioned just to the rear of evolving front lines.
-
Field pieces, culverins, bombards, basilisk's,
Academic text (2016) -
A company of shock troops stands guard nearby with the support of Basilisk artillery and motorised units for rapid redeployment.
-
In the museum, I learned that a basilisk was one of the most feared weapons in the 17th century.
Synonyms
3
9.9
A large medieval machine that throws heavy stones at walls
1
9.9
A short heavy cannon on a ship used to fire at enemy ships at close range
Surface Forms
Etymology
Basilisk (the cannon) takes its name from the same Greek basilískos 'little king' because soldiers compared the gun's deadly power to the monster's deadly look, so the name suggests a very powerful weapon.