harquebus noun. ['hɑ:kwɪbǝs] Also arquebus ['ɑ:k-]. M16.
[French (h)arquebuse, ult. from Middle Low German hakebusse (mod. Haakbus) or Middle High German hake(n)bühse (mod. Hakenbüchse): see HACKBUT.]
Hist.
1. An early type of portable firearm; spec. one supported on a tripod by a hook or on a forked rest. M16.

2. Soldiers armed with harquebuses collectively. Long rare or obsolete. L16.

■ harquebu'sier noun a soldier armed with a harquebus M16.

[TahlilGaran] English Dictionary ▲