pə̇ˈtärd, -tȧd noun
( -s )
Etymology: Middle French, from peter to break wind (from pet expulsion of intestinal gas, from Latin peditum, from neuter of peditus, past participle of pedere to break wind) + -ard; akin to Greek bdein to break wind silently, Russian bzdet'
1. : a metal or wood case containing an explosive for use in breaking down a door or gate or in breaching a wall
2. : a firework that explodes with a loud report