noun
- plural of culverin; long, relatively lightweight cannons used in the 16th and 17th centuries
Usage: historical; military
Examples
- The ship’s culverins were positioned along the gun deck.
- Medieval fortresses often mounted culverins on their walls.
- The army’s culverins provided long-range artillery support.
- Pirates favored culverins for their accuracy and range.
- The museum displayed several restored culverins from the colonial period.
- Culverins were lighter than traditional cannons but still effective.