Petard Meaning and Definition
Petard
Pronunciation
/pəˈtɑrd/
Part of Speech
Noun
Definition
A type of minesweeping charge used in naval warfare, designed to explode beneath the hull of a ship, causing damage or sinking it.
Examples
- The minesweeper detected a petard floating in the water and cleared the area.
- The naval commander ordered the use of petards to clear the harbor of enemy ships.
Synonyms
- Mine
- Charge
Etymology
The word “petard” originates from the 17th-century French word “petard,” meaning “barn door.” It is believed to have been used to describe the type of charge used in naval warfare due to its resemblance to a door.
Usage Notes
Petards are typically used in the context of naval warfare, but the term can be used in a broader sense to describe any type of explosive charge designed to damage or sink a ship.
Cultural References
Petards have appeared in various works of literature, including Herman Melville’s novel “Billy Budd” and William Golding’s novel “The Lord of the Flies.”
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
Related Words or Phrases
- Mine
- Ship
- Warfare
Collocations
- petard explosion
- petard detonation
- petard damage
Frequency of Use
Petards are relatively rare in modern language, but they remain an important concept in naval warfare and history.
Common Misspellings
- Gerbera