(literature) A dramatic principle that states that every element in a story must be necessary, and irrelevant elements should be removed.

(athletics) A gun fired to start a race. / (figuratively) A signal to start or proceed.

Synonym of chicken cannon

(military) The firing of a gun after the last note of the retreat, signalling the lowering of the flag at sunset; the gun thus fired.

(military) At military posts, a gun fired at the first note of reveille; the firing of this gun.

(nautical) A small two-masted vessel during the Age of Sail, typically carrying 12 guns, comprising two long guns in the chase position and ten carronades on the broadsides.

plural of gun-brig

plural of gun lobby

(informal) A tattoo machine.

(historical) A firearm that has a needle-like firing pin.