slight explosion, from Latin peditum a breaking wind, from peditus

of pedo = to break wind; Ital. & Spanish brea petar do.] Military : A machine formerly used for blowing open gates or barriers in fortifications. was bell-shaped, charged with It powder, and fired by a fuse. mouth of the machine was placed against the obstacle, and kept in place by struts or by being hung on a hook driven into the woodwork. The petard has quite fallen into disuse. Hoist with his own petard : Caught in his own trap, or in the danger or destruction intended for others. "For 'tis the sport, to have the engineer Hoist with his own petar." Shakesp.: Hamlet , iii. 3. C Petard. a. The petard. b. Spot to which slow match was applied. c. Madrier. d. Hook by which the whole was suspended against the obstacle to be removed.