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Petard

//pɪˈtɑːd// name, noun, verb

Definitions

Proper Noun
  1. 1
    A surname.
Noun
  1. 1
    A small, hat-shaped explosive device, used to breach a door or wall. historical

    "For tis the ſport to haue the enginer / Hoiſt with his ovvne petar, an't ſhall goe hard / But I vvill delue one yard belovve their mines, / And blovve them at the Moone: […]"

  2. 2
    an explosive device used to break down a gate or wall wordnet
  3. 3
    Anything potentially explosive, in a non-literal sense.
  4. 4
    A loud firecracker. rare
Verb
  1. 1
    To attack or blow a hole in (something) with a petard. archaic

    "The Souldier, if he but go to beſiege a cottage, to ſcale a Caſtle, to robbe a Church, to Pettard [translating petarder] a gate, to force a religious houſe, or any villenous act, before he attempt-it, praieth to God for his aſſiſtance, though his intents and hopes be full-fraught with crueltie, murther, couetiſe, luxurie, ſacriledge and all iniquitie."

Etymology

Etymology 1

From Middle French petard; see Modern French pétard (“firecracker”).

Etymology 2

From Middle French petarder (Modern French pétarder), from petard + -er (suffix forming verbs).

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