matchlock

American  

[mach-lok] / ˈmætʃˌlɒk /

noun

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.

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matchlock British  

/ ˈmætʃˌlɒk /

noun

1. an obsolete type of gunlock igniting the powder by means of a slow match

2. a gun having such a lock

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Etymology

Origin of matchlock

First recorded in 1630–40; match ¹ + lock ¹

Example Sentences

Then comes Major Matchlock, who thought nothing of any battle since Marston Moor, and who usually began his story of Naseby at three-quarters past six.

From Old and New London Volume I by Thornbury, Walter

I did n't want any one to tell me which he was, for I 'd know Matchlock at half a mile distance.

From The Knight Of Gwynne, Vol. I (of II) by Lever, Charles James

Matchlock men showed at the windows and on the roof, and things looked awkward for the little troop of cavalry.

From In Times of Peril by Henty, G. A. (George Alfred)