Petard

A small, bell-shaped explosive charge fixed to a door, gate, or hull section to blow it open, used by privateer and naval landing parties conducting shore raids or forced boardings. Its use required the bomber to place and light the charge at close range to the target, a dangerous task. The device gave rise to the English phrase ‘hoist with his own petard.’

Quick Facts

Weapon TypeExplosive
Era Used16th-17th century
Range / UseBoarding/Breaching

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