torpedoes

Torpedo \Tor*pe"do\, n.; pl. {Torpedoes}. [L. torpedo, -inis,
   from torpere to be stiff, numb, or torpid. See {Torpid}.]
   [1913 Webster]
   1. (Zool.) Any one of numerous species of elasmobranch fishes
      belonging to {Torpedo} and allied genera. They are related
      to the rays, but have the power of giving electrical
      shocks. Called also {crampfish}, and {numbfish}. See
      {Electrical fish}, under {Electrical}.
      [1913 Webster]

   Note: The common European torpedo ({Torpedo vulgaris}) and
         the American species ({Torpedo occidentalis}) are the
         best known.
         [1913 Webster]

   2. An engine or machine for destroying ships by blowing them
      up; a mine[4]. Specifically: 
      [1913 Webster +PJC]
      (a) A quantity of explosives anchored in a channel,
          beneath the water, or set adrift in a current, and so
          designed that they will explode when touched or
          approached by a vessel, or when an electric circuit is
          closed by an operator on shore; now called {marine
          mine}. [obsolete]
          [1913 Webster +PJC]

                Damn the torpedoes -- full speed ahead! --Adm.
                                                  David Glasgow
                                                  Farragut (At
                                                  the battle of
                                                  Mobile Bay,
                                                  1864).
      (b) A kind of small submarine boat carrying an explosive
          charge, and projected from a ship against another ship
          at a distance, or made self-propelling, and otherwise
          automatic in its action against a distant ship.
          [1913 Webster]

   3. (Mil.) A kind of shell or cartridge buried in earth, to be
      exploded by electricity or by stepping on it; now called
      {land mine}. [obsolete]
      [1913 Webster +PJC]

   4. (Railroad) A kind of detonating cartridge or shell placed
      on a rail, and exploded when crushed under the locomotive
      wheels, -- used as an alarm signal.
      [1913 Webster]

   5. An explosive cartridge or shell lowered or dropped into a
      bored oil well, and there exploded, to clear the well of
      obstructions or to open communication with a source of
      supply of oil.
      [1913 Webster]

   6. A kind of firework in the form of a small ball, or pellet,
      which explodes when thrown upon a hard object.
      [1913 Webster]

   7. An automobile with a {torpedo body}. [Archaic Cant]
      [Webster 1913 Suppl. +PJC]

   {Fish torpedo}, a spindle-shaped, or fish-shaped,
      self-propelling submarine torpedo.

   {Spar torpedo}, a canister or other vessel containing an
      explosive charge, and attached to the end of a long spar
      which projects from a ship or boat and is thrust against
      an enemy's ship, exploding the torpedo.

   {Torpedo boat}, a vessel adapted for carrying, launching,
      operating, or otherwise making use of, torpedoes against
      an enemy's ship., especially, a small, fast boat with
      tubes for launching torpedoes.

   {Torpedo nettings}, nettings made of chains or bars, which
      can be suspended around a vessel and allowed to sink
      beneath the surface of the water, as a protection against
      torpedoes.
      [1913 Webster]