Petard definitions
| Word backwards | dratep |
|---|---|
| Part of speech | The word "petard" can be a noun. |
| Syllabic division | pe-tard. |
| Plural | The plural of the word "petard" is "petards." |
| Total letters | 6 |
| Vogais (2) | e,a |
| Consonants (4) | p,t,r,d |
A petard is a small explosive device that is used for breaking through gates or walls, especially in military operations. The word "petard" comes from French and means "to break wind".
These devices have been used throughout history and were particularly common during the Renaissance period. Petards were typically filled with gunpowder and attached to gates or walls using a metal hook. When detonated, they would create a powerful explosion capable of breaking through obstacles.
History of Petards
The use of petards dates back to the 16th century, where they were commonly used in siege warfare. Soldiers would carry petards with them on campaigns and use them to breach enemy defenses. However, petards were also notoriously dangerous to handle, as mishandling could result in premature explosions.
Construction of Petards
Petards were typically made from iron or brass and could vary in size depending on their intended use. They were filled with gunpowder and had a fuse that could be lit to trigger the explosion. Petards were often crudely constructed compared to modern explosives, but they were effective in their time.
Legacy of Petards
While petards are no longer commonly used in modern warfare, the term has endured in the English language. The expression "hoist with his own petard" is derived from Shakespeare's Hamlet and refers to someone being harmed by their own plan to harm others. Petards may be relics of the past, but their impact on language and history is still felt today.
In conclusion, a petard is an explosive device with a rich history in warfare and linguistics. While no longer in common use, the legacy of petards lives on through expressions and historical accounts of their use in military operations.
Petard Examples
- He was hoisted by his own petard.
- She was caught in her own petard of lies.
- The politician's speech backfired and left him hoisted on his own petard.
- He tried to sabotage his rival, but ended up being hoisted by his own petard.
- The company's attempt to cut corners ended up being a petard that blew up in their faces.
- She thought she could deceive others, but in the end, she was caught in her own petard.
- The plan to take down the competition ended up being the petard that destroyed their own reputation.
- He thought he could cheat his way to the top, but it was his own petard that brought him down.
- The scandal was the petard that exposed the company's corrupt practices.
- The scheme to defraud investors turned out to be a petard that led to criminal charges.