A carbine. Sp. Escopeta.
1805. The party came in sight to the number of, I afterwards learnt 50 dragoons and 50 mounted militia of the province, armed in the same manner, viz: Lances, escopates and pistols.—Z. M. Pike, ‘Sources of the Mississippi,’ ii. 201. (N.E.D.)
1847. [Mexico] mustered a ragged retinue of miserable monteneros and rancheros, on her own undisputed territory, however. And there they blew their bugles, and fired off their harmless escopettes.—Mr. Pendleton of Virginia, House of Repr., Feb. 22: Cong. Globe, p. 412, App.
1850. A ranchero, carrying an escopette and three live turkeys slung to the saddle, before him, offered his horse in exchange.—Bayard Taylor, ‘Eldorado,’ p. 336. (N.E.D.)
1857. The memorialist was struck by an escopette, or two-ounce ball, on his sword-hilt.—Mr. Hale of N.H., U.S. Senate, Jan. 7: Cong. Globe, p. 248, App.
