PASSAGE ARM Meaning and
Definition
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The term "passage arm" refers to a type of firearm designed for close-quarters combat and personal defense. Specifically, it is a short-barreled, single-shot firearm, often with a smoothbore or rifled bore, used primarily during the 17th and 18th centuries.
The passage arm earned its name from its role as a weapon used to "pass" through narrow or confined spaces, such as hallways, doorways, or passages. Due to its compact size and lightweight construction, it was ideal for use in tight quarters where a longer, bulkier firearm would be impractical.
Typically, passage arms were muzzle-loading weapons, meaning the shooter had to load powder and projectile from the front of the barrel. They were often smoothbore, allowing for quick and easy loading, although rifled passage arms also existed, offering increased accuracy at the expense of loading speed.
The most common type of passage arm was the flintlock pistol, which featured a flint and steel mechanism to ignite the gunpowder, thereby propelling the projectile forward. Some passage arms were also equipped with folding or detachable stocks, allowing them to be used as both pistols and short-barreled long guns.
While passage arms were primarily used by civilians for personal protection, they also found favor among military officers, as their small size and maneuverability made them suitable sidearms.
Today, passage arms are considered historical artifacts, often sought after and collected by firearm enthusiasts and historians alike.
Common Misspellings for PASSAGE ARM
- oassage arm
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- pzssage arm
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Etymology of PASSAGE ARM
The word "passage arm" is composed of two distinct terms.
The term "passage" derives from the Old French word "passage" meaning "a crossing, a passing through" and ultimately comes from the Latin word "passare" meaning "to go, to pass". In English, "passage" refers to the act of passing or progressing through a particular area or space.
The term "arm" in this context refers to a firearm, specifically the barrel or the entire weapon. The word "arm" comes from the Old English word "arm" and has its roots in the Proto-Germanic word "armaz" meaning "arm". It originally referred to the human limb but later extended to the weaponry attached to the arms, like swords, spears, or firearms.
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