1. Plural of bombarde; a large medieval or Renaissance cannon or siege gun.
Usage: archaic; historical
2. Plural of bombarde; a double-reed woodwind instrument of the Renaissance period.
Usage: archaic; musical

Examples

• The fortress was defended by several bombardes positioned along the walls.
• Medieval armies deployed bombardes to breach castle fortifications.
• Renaissance musicians played bombardes in ceremonial processions.
• The bombardes produced a loud, penetrating sound characteristic of early woodwind instruments.
• Historical records describe the bombardes as among the first effective artillery pieces.