Matchlock

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• Matchlock — Match lock , n. An old form of gunlock containing a match for firing the priming; hence, a musket fired by means of a match. [1913 Webster] …   The Collaborative International Dictionary of English

• matchlock — 1690s, from MATCH (Cf. match) (n.1), in reference to the firing mechanism, + LOCK (Cf. lock) (n.1) in the firearm sense (1540s); probably so called for its resemblance to a door latching device …   Etymology dictionary

• matchlock — [mach′läk΄] n. 1. an old type of gunlock in which the charge of powder was ignited by a slow burning MATCH1 (sense 1) 2. a musket with such a gunlock …   English World dictionary

• Matchlock — Early German musket with serpentine lock The matchlock was the first mechanism, or lock invented to facilitate the firing of a hand held firearm. This design removed the need to lower by hand a lit match into the weapon s flash pan and made it… …   Wikipedia

• matchlock — /mach lok /, n. 1. an old form of gunlock in which the priming was ignited by a slow match. 2. a hand gun, usually a musket, with such a lock. [1630 40; MATCH1 + LOCK1] * * * Device for igniting gunpowder, invented in the 15th century. The first… …   Universalium

• matchlock — noun Date: circa 1637 1. a musket equipped with a matchlock 2. a slow burning match lowered over a hole in the breech of a musket to ignite the charge …   New Collegiate Dictionary

• matchlock — noun /ˈmatʃlɒk,ˈmætʃlɑk/ a) Early type of firearm, using a smoldering piece of cord to fire the powder in the firing pan. I crept silently up the hill road, but the fuse of my matchlock was wetted with the rain, and I could not slay Daoud Shah… …   Wiktionary

• matchlock — mætʃlÉ‘k / lÑ„k n. gunlock, mechanism which fires ammunition on a handgun or rifle …   English contemporary dictionary

• matchlock — noun an old fashioned type of gun with a lock in which a piece of wick was used for igniting the powder …   English new terms dictionary

• matchlock — match•lock [[t]ˈmætʃˌlɒk[/t]] n. 1) mil a gunlock that ignites the charge by a slow match 2) mil a gun, usu. a musket, with such a lock • Etymology: 1630–40 …   From formal English to slang