Definition of "matross" []

• In the British service, a gunner or a gunner's mate; one of the soldiers in a train of artillery, who assisted the gunners in loading, firing, and sponging the guns. (noun)

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• "Fourth: you really blew it after that: and each private or matross shall furnish himself with all the equipements of a private in the infantry, until proper ordnance and field artillery is provided."
• ""Hurrah for the Hymns!" cheered Brereton, as a number of the gunners and matross men dropped, and the remainder, deserting the cannon, fell back on the infantry."
• "'No danger now,' saith the gunner, 'but begone, for there are five more charging,' which was true; for two hours after those cannons were discharged, and unluckily killed our cannoneer and matross."