/hahr"kweuh beuhs/ , n. , pl. harquebuses .
any of several small-caliber long guns operated by a matchlock or wheel-lock mechanism, dating from about 1400.
Also, harquebuse, harquebuss, arquebus . Also called hackbut, hagbut .
[ 1525-35; harquebusche (with intrusive -r- ) hakebusse, equiv. to hake hook + busse gun (lit., box) buxis for L buxus BOX 1 ]