Petard

Pronunciation

• UK IPA: /pɪˈtɑːd/
• US IPA: /pəˈtɑɹd/
• Rhymes: -ɑː(r)d

Alternative forms

• pettard

Origin

From Middle French petarder, see pétard.

Full definition of petard

Noun

1. (historical) A small, hat-shaped explosive device, used to blow a hole in a door or wall.
2. Anything potentially explosive, in a non-literal sense.
• unknown date, Shakespeare, HamletFor tis the sport to haue the enginer
  Hoist with his owne petar
3. (now rare) A loud firecracker.

Derived terms

• hoist by one's own petard

Verb

1. (now rare, archaic) To attack or blow a hole in (something) with a petard.
• 1603, John Florio, translating Michel de Montaigne, Essays, I.56:The souldier, if he but goe to besiege a cottage, to scale a castle, to rob a church, to pettard a gate, to force a religious house, or any villanous act, before he attempt it praieth to God for his assistance, though his intents and hopes be full-fraught with crueltie, murther, covetise, luxurie, sacrilege, and all iniquitie.

Anagrams

• depart
• parted
• prated
• tarped