MITRAILLEUSE Meaning and
Definition
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Mitrailleuse is a noun with French origins that refers to a type of rapid-firing, multibarreled machine gun. The term was first introduced in the mid-19th century, specifically during the Crimean War, to describe a weapon that employed a cluster of parallel barrels capable of discharging a large number of bullets consecutively or in rapid succession. This technological innovation enhanced the firepower and lethality of the weapon, making it a formidable tool in various combat scenarios.
The mitrailleuse typically incorporated breech-loading mechanisms, allowing for efficient loading and reloading of ammunition. It often featured a feeding system that could be manually operated or automatically controlled, facilitating continuous fire. Historically, the mitrailleuse saw deployment in both land and naval warfare, and it played a significant role during crucial conflicts such as the American Civil War, Franco-Prussian War, and World War I.
The term's literal translation from French means "grapeshot" or "grape shooter," which reflects the destructive power and widespread impact of the bullets released from its multiple barrels.
Today, the mitrailleuse is considered an early precursor to modern machine guns, paving the way for the development of more advanced automatic weapons.
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A many-barrelled gun, having the barrels laid together like a fagot of sticks, and securely attached and welded to each other, loaded with great quickness by an apparatus at the breech, and each barrel can be discharged singly, or the whole nearly simultaneously.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Common Misspellings for MITRAILLEUSE
- nitrailleuse
- kitrailleuse
- jitrailleuse
- mutrailleuse
- mjtrailleuse
- mktrailleuse
- motrailleuse
- m9trailleuse
- m8trailleuse
- mirrailleuse
- mifrailleuse
- migrailleuse
- miyrailleuse
- mi6railleuse
- mi5railleuse
- miteailleuse
- mitdailleuse
- mitfailleuse
- mittailleuse
- mit5ailleuse
Etymology of MITRAILLEUSE
The word "mitrailleuse" originated in French and has its roots in the term "mitraille". "Mitraille" is derived from the Old French word "mistraille", which means "small change" or "petty cash". In the Middle Ages, "mistral" referred to the smallest metallic currency denomination. Over time, "mistral" transformed into "mitraille", which broadly encompasses the concept of a small metallic fragment or shot.
The suffix "-euse" in "mitrailleuse" is a feminine form used to indicate a tool or a machine. Therefore, "mitrailleuse" essentially translates to "a machine or device that utilizes small projectiles or shot".
In the context of weaponry, the term "mitrailleuse" specifically refers to an early type of machine gun used in the late 19th century.
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