\Car"bine\, n. [F. carbine, OF. calabrin carabineer (cf.
Ot. calabrina a policeman), fr. OF & Pr. calabre, OF. cable,
chable, an engine of war used in besieging, fr. LL.
chadabula, cabulus, a kind of projectile machine, fr. Gr. ? a
throwing down, fr. ? to throw; ? down + ? to throw. Cf.
{Parable}.] (Mil.)
A short, light musket or rifle, esp. one used by mounted
soldiers or cavalry.