† crabut Obs.
[Derivation uncertain.
Cf. F. crapaudeau, crapaudine, ancient pieces of artillery.]
A kind of fire-arm, used in 17th c.
| 1626 Capt. Smith Accid. Yng. Seamen 31 (The names of all sorts of great Ordinance and peeces, and their appurtenances.) Carbines, Crabuts, long Pistols, short Pistols. 1627 ― Seaman's Gram. xiv. 69 For..Coliuers, Crabuts, Carbins. 1659 Howell Vocab. §vi, Smaller guns as courriours, harquebusses, muskets, crabuts, carbines. |