Espingole

/ˈɛspɪŋɡoʊl/ noun

Definition

A small cannon or naval gun, often used on ships for defense or signaling.

Etymology

From Spanish espingarda or Dutch spingel, likely related to Germanic spangen meaning 'to spring'; military nautical terminology.

Kelly Says

Espingoles were mounted on early ships and represented the evolution of naval warfare—bigger ships needed multiple small guns to defend against boarding parties!

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