breechblock

Or breech-block

[breech-blok]

noun

Ordnance.

1. a movable piece of metal for closing the breech in certain firearms.

breechblock

/ ˈbriːtʃˌblɒk /

noun

1. a metal block in breech-loading firearms that is withdrawn to insert the cartridge and replaced to close the breech before firing

Word History and Origins

Origin of breechblock¹

First recorded in 1880–85; breech + block

Example Sentences

Nearer, a detachment of artillerymen were using hammers to smash up the dial sights and breechblocks of their guns.

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The Portuguese field artillery served their guns as long as possible and destroyed the breechblocks whenever it became inevitable that they would have to leave a gun behind.

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The heavy steel breechblock of the seventy-five was replaced by a wooden block.

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The breechblocks of the guns were opened, clicked shut again, and then came the welcome words: “Comp sissed!”

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They were unsatisfactory because the breech could not be sealed against escape of the powder gases, and the crude, chambered breechblocks, jammed against the bore with a wedge, often cracked under the shock of firing.

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