powder monkey

• Terme historique désignant un garçon qui transportait la poudre à canon depuis la soute du navire jusqu'aux canons pendant les batailles navales à l'époque de la marine à voile. De nos jours, ce terme est désuet et rarement utilisé en dehors d'un contexte historique.

A historical term for a young boy who carried gunpowder from the ship's magazine to the cannons during naval battles in the age of sail. The term is now obsolete and rarely used outside of historical contexts.

1. Historical naval roleC1formalbritish

   A young boy employed on warships to carry gunpowder from the magazine to the cannons during battle.

   mousse aux poudres

   • The powder monkey ran quickly to supply the cannons.
   • In the age of sail, powder monkeys were essential for naval combat.
   • The captain praised the powder monkey for his bravery under fire.

2. Modern slang for explosives expertC1informal

   A person who handles or works with explosives, often in mining or demolition.

   spécialiste des explosifs

   • The powder monkey carefully set the charges for the controlled demolition.
   • He worked as a powder monkey in the quarry for years.
   • The team of powder monkeys prepared the blast site.