from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Bombard \Bom"bard\, n. [F. bombarde, LL. bombarda, fr. L. bombus
+ -ard. Cf. {Bumper}, and see {Bomb}.]
1. (Gun.) A piece of heavy ordnance formerly used for
throwing stones and other ponderous missiles. It was the
earliest kind of cannon.
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They planted in divers places twelve great bombards,
wherewith they threw huge stones into the air,
which, falling down into the city, might break down
the houses. --Knolles.
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2. A bombardment. [Poetic & R.] --J. Barlow.
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3. A large drinking vessel or can, or a leather bottle, for
carrying liquor or beer. [Obs.]
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Yond same black cloud, yond huge one, looks like a
foul bombard that would shed his liquor. --Shak.
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4. pl. Padded breeches. [Obs.]
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{Bombard phrase}, inflated language; bombast. [Obs.] --B.
Jonson.
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