CARABINE Meaning and
Definition
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Carabine is a noun that refers to a type of firearm or rifle that is characterized by its relatively short barrel, lightweight construction, and compact design. It is generally used for infantry or cavalry troops in military campaigns, as well as for hunting and sporting purposes.
Originally developed in the 16th century, carabines were intended to bridge the gap between pistols and longer muskets. They typically feature a smoothbore or rifled barrel, depending on the specific model, and are often chambered for small caliber ammunition. The shortened length of the carabine allows for increased maneuverability and ease of handling in tight or dense environments, making it particularly suitable for mounted troops.
Carabines have undergone various modifications and improvements throughout history, with advancements in technology leading to the introduction of more accurate and reliable models. While many early carabines were muzzle-loaded, later iterations incorporated breech-loading mechanisms, making them quicker to reload and increasing their rate of fire.
In contemporary usage, the term "carabine" has become somewhat less common and is often replaced by more specific designations such as carbine or rifle, depending on the firearm's characteristics and purpose. However, the original concept and design principles of carabines continue to influence modern firearms development, with these shorter, lightweight rifles finding their use in law enforcement, military applications, and recreational shooting sports.
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A short gun carried by a cavalry soldier.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Common Misspellings for CARABINE
- xarabine
- varabine
- farabine
- darabine
- czrabine
- csrabine
- cwrabine
- cqrabine
- caeabine
- cadabine
- cafabine
- catabine
- ca5abine
- ca4abine
- carzbine
- carsbine
- carwbine
- carqbine
- caravine
Etymology of CARABINE
The word "carabine" has its origins in the French language. It is derived from the Middle French term "carabin", which originally referred to a type of carbine, a short-barreled firearm. The Middle French and ultimately the Old French term "carabin" were borrowed from the Italian word "carabino", meaning a cavalry soldier armed with a carbine. The Italian term is believed to have come from the Medieval Latin word "carabinus", which referred to a mounted soldier armed with a firearm. The exact origin of the Medieval Latin term is uncertain, but it is thought to have possible roots in the Late Latin word "carabus", meaning beetle, possibly due to the resemblance of the firearm to the insect's shape.
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