chase-gun
Definition
Noun: - A cannon on a ship's bow or stern: A "chase-gun" is a naval cannon mounted at the front (bow) or back (stern) of a sailing vessel, used to fire at an enemy ship that is either chasing or being chased.
Usage Examples
- (A cannon at the stern aimed at the enemy behind.)
- (A cannon at the front used to intercept or threaten a ship ahead.)
Advanced Usage
"To fire a chase-gun": to discharge the cannon for the purpose of engaging a target in pursuit or retreat.
- The frigate fired its chase-gun repeatedly during the long pursuit. (The cannon was used in a tactical chase scenario.)
"Bow chase-gun" vs. "Stern chase-gun": The bow chase-gun is used when chasing an enemy ahead; the stern chase-gun is used when being chased by an enemy behind.
- The stern chase-gun was essential for defense during the retreat. (The cannon at the back protected the ship from pursuers.)
Variants and Related Words
Chaser (n): a type of naval gun mounted for chasing, often synonymous with chase-gun.
- The chaser was aimed at the fleeing enemy. (A cannon used in pursuit.)
Bow-chaser (n): a chase-gun mounted at the bow.
- The bow-chaser was fired to slow the target ship. (A specific forward-mounted cannon.)
Stern-chaser (n): a chase-gun mounted at the stern.
- The stern-chaser kept the pirate ship at a distance. (A specific rear-mounted cannon.)
Synonyms
- Pursuit gun: a cannon used during a chase.
- Chaser: a general term for a chase-gun.
Related Idioms
- "Chase-gun practice": a historical naval drill for firing chase-guns.
- The crew trained in chase-gun practice to improve accuracy. (Training for tactical cannon use.)
Note on Usage
- The term "chase-gun" is primarily historical, referring to cannons on sailing warships from the 17th to 19th centuries. It is rarely used outside of naval history or maritime contexts.