Definitions
from The Century Dictionary.
- noun A device for determining the strength of gunpowder.
- noun A small cannon or musket suspended horizontally in a swinging frame furnished with a fixed arc, properly graduated, and a movable pointer, for ascertaining the angular distance through which the gun oscillates in its recoil.
Etymologies
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Examples
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The cannon-powder for proof shall be of not less than 1,500 feet initial velocity, as determined by the gun-pendulum at the Ordnance
Ordnance Instructions for the United States Navy. 1866. Fourth edition. United States. Navy Dept. Bureau of Ordnance
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Velocities, determinable by the gun-pendulum of the Ordnance Yard at
Ordnance Instructions for the United States Navy. 1866. Fourth edition. United States. Navy Dept. Bureau of Ordnance
ruzuzu commented on the word gun-pendulum
"A device for determining the strength of gunpowder. It consists of a box filled with sand-bags, suspended so as to swing freely on receiving the impact of a ball fired from a gun or cannon. See ballistic pendulum, under ballistic."
--CD&C
February 4, 2013