breechloader

[breech-loh-der]

noun

1. a firearm loaded at the breech.

Word History and Origins

Origin of breechloader¹

First recorded in 1855–60; breech + loader

Example Sentences

The gun belonging to the Sea Flower was a small breechloader of good pattern, and could carry a shell quite as far as the boats.

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Dimensions, expense, and very many other reasons are given for this ruinous custom, but all other Navies mount breechloaders on vessels of the same dimensions as our own.

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But these breechloaders, which send forth continuous flame, swift as the lightning, flash on flash, allow not a moment for thought.

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I thought poor Spalding might have left me some trifle to remember him by—his pet breechloader, or something of the kind; but, candidly, I never expected anything like this!”

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It is part of the national hypocrisy to cry peace while our neighbours are whetting their knives and polishing their breechloaders.

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