caisson Meaning, Definition & Usage

noun an ornamental sunken panel in a ceiling or dome
lacuna; coffer.
noun a two-wheeled military vehicle carrying artillery ammunition
noun a chest to hold ammunition
ammunition chest.
noun large watertight chamber used for construction under water
cofferdam; pneumatic caisson.

F., fr. caisse, case, chest. See 1st Case.

(Mil.) (a) A chest to hold ammunition. (b) A four-wheeled carriage for conveying ammunition, consisting of two parts, a body and a limber. In light field batteries there is one caisson to each piece, having two ammunition boxes on the body, and one on the limber. Farrow. (c) A chest filled with explosive materials, to be laid in the way of an enemy and exploded on his appoach.
(a) A water-tight box, of timber or iron within which work is carried on in building foundations or structures below the water level. (b) A hollow floating box, usually of iron, which serves to close the entrances of docks and basins. (c) A structure, usually with an air chamber, placed beneath a vessel to lift or float it.
(Arch.) A sunk panel of ceilings or soffits.