BOMB, [L. bombus.] A great noise.
1. A large shell of cast iron, round and hollow, with a vent to receive a fusee, which is made of wood. This being filled with gunpowder and the fusee driven into the vent, the fusee is set on fire and the bomb is thrown from a mortar, in such a direction as to fall into a fort, city or enemy's camp, when it bursts with great violence and often with terrible effect. The inventor of bombs is not known; they came into common use about the year 1634.
2. The stroke upon a bell.
BOMB, v.t. To attack with bombs; to bombard. [Not used.]
BOMB, v.i. To sound.
