Hist. [ad. obs. Sp. lombarda.
The word has been supposed to be a misprint for bombarda BOMBARD. Cf. however the very common late Gr. λουμπάρδα, λουμπάρτα, app. synonymous with βουμβάρδα, μπουμπάρδα bombard.]
A military engine used in Spain in the 16th c.
1838. Prescott, Ferd. & Is. (1846), I. ii. 136. A wooden fortress … was constructed by the assailants, and planted with lombards and other pieces of artillery then in use [Prescott refers to Zurita, Anales, IV. 113/1 (1610), who has: Començo se a combatir la ciudad con diuersos trabucos y lombardas].
1849. W. Irving, Columbus, III. 55. He … proceeded … to finish his fortress, which was defended by lombards.
1858. W. Morris, Sir P. Harpdon’s End, Poems 101. Amid the crash of falling walls, And roar of lombards.
