petronel

noun

pet·​ro·​nel ˌpe-trə-ˈnel How to pronounce petronel (audio)
: a portable firearm resembling a carbine of large caliber

Word History

Etymology

perhaps modification of Middle French poitrinal, petrinal, from poitrinal of the chest, from poitrine chest, ultimately from Latin pector-, pectus — more at pectoral

First Known Use

circa 1577, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of petronel was circa 1577

Dictionary Entries Near petronel

Cite this Entry

“Petronel.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/petronel. Accessed 25 Dec. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!