long tom

noun

, (usually initial capital letters)

1. a towed 155 mm field cannon produced by the United States throughout World War II.
2. a long, heavy cannon formerly carried by small naval vessels.

long tom

noun

1. a long swivel cannon formerly used in naval warfare
2. a long-range land gun
3. an army slang name for cannon

Word History and Origins

Origin of long tom¹

First recorded in 1825–35

Example Sentences

The men, fifteen in number, were well armed; and the mate was directed to have Long Tom ready for emergencies.

From Project Gutenberg

On each application of the fuse to Long Tom the bugle rang out in clarion tones its warning to seek cover.

From Project Gutenberg

But, for us, the screw was never tightened; Kimberley had indeed heard the last of Long Tom.

From Project Gutenberg

In the Long-Tom Country maternal tenderness is a highly estimated virtue.

From Project Gutenberg

In the house of a Long-Tom settler who charges five dollars a day extra because his wife feels like a mother.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

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