touchhole

American  

[tuhch-hohl] / ˈtʌtʃˌhoʊl /

noun

1. the vent in the breech of an early firearm or cannon through which the charge was ignited.

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touchhole British  

/ ˈtʌtʃˌhəʊl /

noun

1. a hole in the breech of early cannon and firearms through which the charge was ignited

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Etymology

Origin of touchhole

First recorded in 1495–1505; touch + hole

Example Sentences

It was loaded to the muzzle, but just as the pilot was about to apply a red-hot coal to the touchhole, Mr. Fogg said, "Hoist your flag!"

From Around the World in 80 Days Junior Edition by Verne, Jules

As soon as I discovered my mistake, I hurried back to our own position, in all the greater haste, because the touchhole of my rifle had got stopped.

From Blackwood's Edinburgh Magazine, Volume 59, No. 363, January, 1846 by Various

Orders were given that every man was to "throw the priming out of his pan, pick his touchhole, prime anew, examine bullets and see that everything was in readiness for battle."

From Pioneers of the Old Southwest: a chronicle of the dark and bloody ground by Skinner, Constance Lindsay

Carefully, deliberately, Pamela Russell lowered her candle to the cannon's touchhole.

From Shaman by Shea, Robert

It always is there with men of Bertie's order, and only comes to light when the match of danger is applied to the touchhole.

From Under Two Flags by Ouida