English edit

 
A matchlock petronel, circa 1570
 
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Etymology edit

From Middle French petrinal, alteration of poitrinal, from poitrinal (of the chest) (the weapon is thought to have been braced against a chest-pad when firing), from poitrine (chest, breast), from Latin pectorina, feminine of pectorinus (of the breast) (from pectus (chest) + -inus (-ine)).

Pronunciation edit

Noun edit

petronel (plural petronels)

  1. (obsolete, weaponry) A short but large-caliber, heavy 16th and 17th-century firearm that used a matchlock or wheellock mechanism, intermediate between the arquebuse and pistol.
    • 1634, Matheo Aleman, “Wherein Guzman de Alfarache relateth the Story of thoſe two Louers, Ozmin and Daraxa”, in Don Diego Puede-Ser, transl., The rogue: or The life of Guzman de Alfarache[1], volume 1, pages 68–69:
      [] And putting vp good ſtore of gold and Iewels for that iourney, and taking with him a good horſe, that was browne Bay, with a Petronell hanging at the arſon of his Saddle []

Translations edit