ribaudequin
/rɪˈbəʊdɪkɪn/(also ribaudekin, ribauldequin) Now historical
noun
A piece of heavy medieval artillery consisting of a number of cannon on a wheeled armed platform. Also applied to a type of powerful crossbow on a wheeled carriage, or fixed to the wall of a fort.
- Apparently used variously to denote the platform, the weapons on it, or the whole apparatus..
Origin
Late Middle English. From Middle French ribaudequin from Middle Dutch ribaudekijn, ribaudekin from ribaude type of artillery piece (from Middle French ribaude, feminine form corresponding to ribaut) + -kijn; the Middle Dutch term apparently arose as a familiar name for the piece of artillery.