breechblock

American  

[breech-blok] / ˈbritʃˌblɒk /

Or breech-block

noun

Ordnance.

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

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breechblock British  

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 a metal block in breech-loading firearms that is withdrawn to insert the cartridge and replaced to close the breech before firing

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Etymology

Origin of breechblock

First recorded in 1880–85; breech + block

Example Sentences

L�ger saw his fill of suffering in World War I, but the image he carried away with him was the dazzling light of a breechblock gleaming in the sun.

From Time Magazine Archive

The list of Russian firsts which pulls Pyatov up from obscurity starts with the adding machine, anesthesia, Antarctica, atomic fission, runs on to the wedge breechblock and the wool-combing machine.

From Time Magazine Archive

Captain Brownson had noticed the incident and he sent word to delay opening the breechblock until all danger of explosion had passed.

From A Gunner Aboard the "Yankee" by Doubleday, Russell

Brad noted that Rimov was staring at the intensity slide visible on the breechblock of his sheathed weapon.

From The Universe — or Nothing by Moldeven, Meyer

One is hastily procured, and the first captain—a great, brawny, good-natured fellow, who has spent years at sea—deftly fastens the bight of the rope to the handle of the breechblock.

From A Gunner Aboard the "Yankee" by Doubleday, Russell