Bastard

or Batarde ( Fr. ). An ancient piece of ordnance of about 8 pounds calibre, 9 1 ⁄ 2 feet long, and weighing 1950 pounds. It was invented by Jean Maurique de Lard, master-general of ordnance under Charles V. of France in 1535. He also had several bastards cast of a larger calibre. This term was also applied to guns of an unusual make or proportion, whether longer or shorter.