† ˌdemi-ˈcannon Obs.
Also -canon.
[a. F. demi-canon (16th c. in Littré): see demi- 4.]
A kind of large gun formerly used, of about 6½ inches bore: see cannon n.1 2.
| 1577–87 Holinshed Chron. III. 1188/2 They were answered againe with foure or five canons, and demi canons. 1587 Harrison England ii. xvi. (1877) i. 281 The names of our greatest ordinance..Demie Canon six thousand pounds, and six inches and an halfe within the mouth. Cannon, seauen thousand pounds, and eight inches within the mouth. 1673 Phil. Trans. VIII. 6040 In the Year 1672. July 9, there was cast a Demy-canon; weighing 34 hundreds of weight. 1707 Farquhar Beaux Strat. iii. ii, Her eyes..Are demi-canons to be sure; so I won't stand their battery. 1735–6 Carte Ormonde I. 341 There were three demi-canon, two sakers, and one minion. |
b. attrib., as in
demi-cannon cut,
ˌdemi-cannon drake. (See
cut n.2 31 a,
drake.)
| 1634–5 Brereton Trav. (1844) 165 She carries 16 pieces of ordinance..four whole culverin drakes, and four iron demi-cannon drakes. 1642 in Rushw. Hist. Coll. iii. (1692) I. The Walls..are singularly well fortified with Brass and Iron Guns, both Culverins and Demi-Cannon-Cuts. |