tampion

[ tam-pee-uhn ]

noun

1. a plug or stopper placed in the muzzle of a piece of ordnance when not in use, to keep out dampness and dust.

tampion

/ ˈtæmpɪən /

noun

1. a plug placed in a gun's muzzle when the gun is not in use to keep out moisture and dust

Word History and Origins

Origin of tampion¹

1425–75; late Middle English tampyon, variant of tampon < Middle French, nasalized variant of Old French tapon, derivative of tape plug < Germanic. See tap ²

Word History and Origins

Origin of tampion¹

C15: from French: tampon

Example Sentences

They ride with springs on their cables, tampions out, as if prepared to open fire and level the town with broadsides.

From Literature

The wad, blackened with gunpowder residue, may have served as a gasket for the wooden tampion, a plug that protected the cannon muzzle from the elements.

From National Geographic

A tampion, or wad, of oakum or the like, was rammed down between the cartridge and the ball, and a second wad kept the ball in place.

From Project Gutenberg

But the sloop yawed quickly, her portholes opened, bronze muzzles appeared, tampions fell away, and a tremendous voice shouted: "Fire!"

From Project Gutenberg

The heavy shot were arranged in shot racks, known as "gardens," and these were ready to the gunner's hand, with "cheeses" of tampions or wads.

From Project Gutenberg