Amusette

/ˌæmuːˈzɛt/ noun

Definition

A small military cannon or light artillery piece, or a small amusing trinket or novelty.

Etymology

From French amusette, diminutive of amuse (amusement), literally meaning 'a little amusement.' In military contexts, it refers to light artillery used for harassment rather than serious combat.

Kelly Says

Medieval soldiers called these small cannons 'amusettes' because they were almost playful compared to the huge siege guns—like calling something 'adorable' when it's actually still a weapon!

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