PATERERO Meaning and
Definition
-
Paterero is a term that refers to a small caliber hand-held cannon or firearm used during historical periods. The word originates from the Spanish language, specifically from the term "pata," which means paw or leg, and "yerro," which means mistake. The name reflects the notion that these cannons were often inaccurate or had a tendency to hit unintended targets due to their rudimentary design and lack of precision.
Typically, patereros were used by infantry forces, particularly during the 16th to 18th centuries. These handheld cannons were portable, often mounted on swivels or attached to a wooden stock, making them relatively easy to carry and aim. They generally had a smoothbore barrel, which means the inside of the cannon was without any grooves or rifling that would help stabilize the projectile's trajectory. This resulted in reduced accuracy over long distances and limited effective range.
Patereros were loaded by inserting gunpowder, followed by a projectile such as a ball or canister shot, into the muzzle of the cannon. Ignition was typically achieved through the use of a match, flintlock, or wheel-lock mechanism. Due to their small size, patereros were often used as sidearms or secondary weapons in addition to larger field artillery.
Although patereros eventually fell out of use as advancements in firearm technology brought about more accurate and efficient weaponry, their historical significance as a precursor to handheld firearms is noteworthy.
Common Misspellings for PATERERO
Etymology of PATERERO
The word "paterero" has its origins in the Spanish language. It comes from the Latin term "patera", which means "dish" or "bowl". In the context of artillery, the term evolved to refer to a small cannon or firearm that had a bell-shaped muzzle resembling a dish or bowl. Over time, the term "paterero" became specifically associated with a type of early handgonne or small-caliber cannon used in medieval warfare.
Infographic
Add the infographic to your website:
