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Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)

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About this entry:
First published 1941 (SND Vol. II).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.

BOMBARD, n. Cannon. Given in N.E.D., but latest use appears to have been in 1664. Un. Eng. Dict. gives it as occurring in Eng. in the 15th cent. Arch.Fif. 1827 W. Tennant Papistry Storm'd 218:
As thir two bombards on the ground Were thunderin' wi' an awesome sound.

Comb.: bombard-shot, cannon-shot.Ib. 110:
They . . . split the crowd wi' shank and showther, Like bombard-shot a-birrin'.

[O.Sc. bombard, bombart, a cannon, Mid.Eng. bombard, bumbard (c.1430) (D.O.S.T.); adapted from O.Fr. bombarde, “a murthering-piece” (Cotgrave), Med.Lat. bombarda, orig. a mechanical engine for throwing large stones; prob. from Lat. bombus, a humming noise + -arda, fem. form of Romance suff. -ard (N.E.D.).]

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