Archgunner

/ˈɑːtʃɡʌnər/ noun

Definition

A chief gunner or the most skilled gunner in a military unit, especially on a ship.

Etymology

From arch- (chief, principal) + gunner (a soldier who operates guns). Gunner comes from gun, which entered English in the 14th century from Old Norse gunnr (war), combined with the agent suffix -er.

Kelly Says

On medieval and early modern warships, the archgunner was often the most valued crew member—commanding the cannons required mathematical skill, chemical knowledge, and split-second timing, making them early specialists in what we'd now call engineering.

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