COEHORN Meaning and
Definition
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Coehorn is a noun that refers to a type of portable and short-barreled mortar used for firing explosive projectiles. Originally developed by the Dutch military engineer Menno van Coehoorn in the late 17th century, the coehorn is characterized by its small size and easy portability, making it an essential tool in military fortifications.
Coehorns typically consist of a smoothbore metal tube, often made of brass or iron, mounted on a wooden or metal base. They are designed to fire mortar bombs or shells that are smaller in size compared to those fired by larger mortar systems. Due to their shorter barrels, coehorns generally have a limited range and are suited for lower trajectories, making them particularly effective for close-range defense against enemy troops within fortified positions.
The coehorn's compact size and lightweight construction make it relatively easy to transport and set up, allowing for flexibility in battlefield deployment. They were often used in conjunction with other artillery pieces and fortifications. Coehorns played a significant role in siege warfare, as they were employed by military forces to bombard enemy defenses and create breaches in fortifications.
Today, the term "coehorn" can also be used to refer to the type of mortar shells or bombs specifically designed for use with this portable mortar, typically small and lightweight. Coehorns are no longer widely used in modern military operations but carry historical importance as a compact and versatile piece of artillery.
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In mil., a small kind of mortar.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Common Misspellings for COEHORN
- xoehorn
- voehorn
- doehorn
- ciehorn
- ckehorn
- clehorn
- cpehorn
- c0ehorn
- c9ehorn
- cowhorn
- coshorn
- codhorn
- corhorn
- co4horn
- co3horn
- coegorn
- coeborn
- coenorn
- coejorn
Etymology of COEHORN
The word "Coehorn" is named after Menno van Coehoorn, a Dutch military engineer who lived in the 17th century. Coehorn was known for his innovations in fortification and siege warfare, particularly his development of a type of portable mortar. This mortar, initially called a "cara-bin des Coehorn" or "carbine of Coehorn", was later simply referred to as a "Coehorn". Over time, the term "Coehorn" came to be widely used to describe any small-sized mortar or howitzer. The name has become synonymous with portable mortars in many languages.
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