petard
pronunciation
How to pronounce petard in British English:
UK [pəˈtɑ:d]
How to pronounce petard in American English:
US [pəˈtɑrd]
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- Noun:
- a explosive device used to break down a gate or wall
Word Origin
- petard
- petard: see feisty
- petard (n.)
- 1590s, "small bomb used to blow in doors and breach walls," from French pétard (late 16c.), from Middle French péter "break wind," from Old French pet "a fart," from Latin peditum, noun use of neuter past participle of pedere "to break wind," from PIE root *pezd- "to fart" (see feisty). Surviving in phrase hoist with one's own petard (or some variant) "blown up with one's own bomb," which is ultimately from Shakespeare (1605):For tis the sport to haue the enginer Hoist with his owne petar ("Hamlet" III.iv.207).See hoist.
Example
- 1. In 2007 two inept terrorists were hoist on their own petard when their bomb-laden jeep got wedged in the doorway of glasgow airport and caught fire .
- 2. Your tenure and cost to the organization ( 30 % ) : how much money could the company save if it hoisted you by your expensive petard ?