Dictionary

French 75 en · NOUN

Etymology

From the caliber of the shells, 75 mm (~ 3 in.). The cocktail was named after the artillery, alluding to its impact, 1920s.

Meanings

1. (historical) The Canon de 75 modèle 1897, an artillery piece capable of firing 75 mm shells.
   • The French 75 in its barrel diameter is a fraction of an inch smaller than our 3-inch gun, the exact equivalent of 75 millimeters being 2.95275 inches. 1919, Benedict Crowell, America's Munitions 1917–1918, Washington: Government Printing Office:
2. A cocktail made with gin, champagne, and lemon juice.
   • [At the bar, Yvonne and the German officer place their orders.] French seventy-fives. 1942, Julius J. Epstein, Philip G. Epstein, Howard Koch, Casablanca, spoken by German officer:

Forms

Relateds

napoleon · German 88

Synonyms

75