breechloading

[ breech-loh-ding ]

adjective

1. loaded at the breech.

Word History and Origins

Origin of breechloading¹

First recorded in 1855–60; breech + loading

Example Sentences

Curiously enough the earliest cannon seem to have been breechloading.

From Project Gutenberg

Ill and weak they staggered south, and five days later "the slave" ran away with a valuable breechloading elephant-gun.

From Project Gutenberg

Chassepot, shas′po, n. the kind of bolt-action breechloading rifle adopted by the French army in 1866.

From Project Gutenberg

The main armament of the Empress will consist of four 67 ton breechloading guns mounted in pairs en barbette.

From Project Gutenberg