minute gun

[ min-it ]

noun

1. a cannon fired at intervals of a minute, especially as a signal of distress or in a military funeral ceremony.

minute gun

/ ˈmɪnɪt /

noun

1. a gun fired at one-minute intervals as a sign of distress or mourning

Word History and Origins

Origin of minute gun¹

First recorded in 1720–30

Example Sentences

As the bells of the castle’s Curfew Tower rang, the King’s Troop Royal Horse Artillery fired off rounds of minute guns and a piping party from the Royal Navy blew their whistles.

From Seattle Times

Philip’s coffin was borne to the chapel on a bespoke Defender TD 130 in military green as a minute gun fired eight times.

From Reuters

Members of the regiment will fire minute guns from the east lawn of Windsor Castle as Prince Philip's coffin is taken from the castle to the chapel.

From BBC

On the banks of the River Thames, the Honourable Artillery Company fired processional minute guns in front of Tower Bridge.

From BBC

Above the dull distant roar of the cataract, the minute guns of friends and foes pealed over the dead, as with shrouded banners the slowly marching column bore him to his last resting place.

From Project Gutenberg