ordnance
English
Etymology
A reduced form of ordinance, which is attested from the late 14th century in the sense of "military equipment or provisions". The sense of "artillery" arises in the early 15th century, the sense "military logistics" in the late 15th century. The shortened form ordnance arises by the 17th century, now distinct in meaning from the surviving meanings of ordinance.
Pronunciation
- Lua error in Module:parameters at line 290: Parameter 1 should be a valid language or etymology language code; the value "RP" is not valid. See WT:LOL and WT:LOL/E. enPR: ôrdʹnəns, IPA(key): /ˈɔːdnəns/
- Lua error in Module:parameters at line 290: Parameter 1 should be a valid language or etymology language code; the value "US" is not valid. See WT:LOL and WT:LOL/E. enPR: ôrdʹnəns, IPA(key): /ˈɔɹdnəns/
Noun
ordnance (countable and uncountable, plural ordnances)
- Military equipment, especially weapons and ammunition.
- Artillery.
Usage notes
The British Ordnance Survey, now a civilian agency, retains its name from its origin as a military topographic survey of Britain during the Napoleonic Wars.
This word is often confused with ordinance, which is a law or legal statute.
Derived terms
Related terms
Translations
military equipment
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arms and ammunition
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artillery
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