arquebus

[ ahr-kwuh-buhs ]

noun

, plural ar·que·bus·es.

1. any of several small-caliber long guns operated by a matchlock or wheel-lock mechanism, dating from about 1400.

arquebus

/ ˈɑːkwɪbəs /

noun

1. a portable long-barrelled gun dating from the 15th century: fired by a wheel-lock or matchlock Also calledhackbuthagbut

Word History and Origins

Origin of arquebus¹

First recorded in 1525–35; from Middle French harquebusche (with intrusive -r- ), from Middle Dutch hākebusse, equivalent to hāke “hook“ + busse “gun” (literally, “box”), from Late Latin buxis for Latin buxus “box tree, boxwood; flute made from boxwood”; box ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of arquebus¹

C16: via Old French harquebuse from Middle Dutch hakebusse, literally: hook gun, from the shape of the butt, from hake hook + busse box, gun, from Late Latin busis box

Example Sentences

This is ironic given that the building used to be an arsenal, a storehouse for the cannons, gunpowder and arquebuses that ensured Portuguese explorers arrived in the new world with a bang.

From The Guardian

FOR all the centuries of refinement that separate a modern rifle from a Renaissance arquebus, the basic idea has not changed.

From Economist

Cervantes was shot three times by a gun known as an arquebus at the Battle of Lepanto in 1571, leaving him with no use in his left hand.

From BBC

It is not impossible that the arquebus- and sword-wielding soldiers in Rembrandt’s celebrated “The Night Watch” were protecting tulip bulbs from 17th-century tree rodents.

From Forbes

The front row, indeed, was well furnished with arquebuses, while pistols, swords, daggers, and pikes gleamed in abundance behind.

From Project Gutenberg