n. An engine, supported on a stationary or movable frame called a gun-carriage, for throwing balls and other missiles by the force of gunpowder; a big gun; a piece of ordnance.n. In machinery, a hollow cylindrical piece through which a revolving shaft passes, and which, may revolve independently, and with a greater or less speed than that of the shaft.n. That part of a bit let into the horse's mouth. Also canon, cannon-bit, canon-bit.n. The cannon-bone.n. The ear or loop of a bell by which it is suspended. Also spelled canon.n. In surgery, an instrument used in sewing up wounds.n. plural Ornamental rolls which terminated the breeches or hose at the knee. Minsheu, 1617. Also written canions, cannions, and canons.n. [⟨ cannon, v., 2.] In billiards, a carom: little used in the United States, but common in Great Britain. See carom.To discharge cannon; cannonade.In billiards, to make a cannon or carom; hence, to strike one thing and then rebound and strike another; carom.In loading logs by steam- or horse-power, to send up (a log) so that it swings crosswise, instead of parallel to the load.