Definitions
from The Century Dictionary.
- noun A small box or case charged with powder, old nails, etc., formerly secured over the side of a ship and discharged at an enemy attempting to board.
Etymologies
Sorry, no etymologies found.
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Examples
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There, unharnessing the animals, we began at once to load the sledge, not only with the butter-cask, but with a powder-chest, a barrel of cheese, and
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"Look, captain!" said the boy, energetically; "I would rather set a torch to the powder-chest of that gay ship, than have her turned into a
The Buccaneer A Tale S. C. Hall 1840
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