petard Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun an explosive device used to break down a gate or wall

WordNet

Pe*tard" noun
Etymology
F. pétard, fr. péter to break wind, to crack, to explode, L. pedere, peditum.
Definitions
  1. (Mil.) A case containing powder to be exploded, esp. a conical or cylindrical case of metal filled with powder and attached to a plank, to be exploded against and break down gates, barricades, drawbridges, etc. It has been superseded.

Webster 1913