Matchlock
[mætʃlɒk]
Definition
(noun.) an early style of musket; a slow-burning wick would be lowered into a hole in the breech to ignite the charge.
Edited by Lester--From WordNet
Definition
(n.) An old form of gunlock containing a match for firing the priming; hence, a musket fired by means of a match.
Checked by Cathy
Examples
- Formerly they had to be carried separately, but the new arrangement was a great convenience and made the matchlock. Various. The Wonder Book of Knowledge.
- The Coming of the Matchlock. Various. The Wonder Book of Knowledge.
Typist: Serena