firelock
Americannoun
noun
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an obsolete type of gunlock with a priming mechanism ignited by sparks
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a gun or musket having such a lock
Etymology
Origin of firelock
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
I am apprehensive about the use of the firelock, and pray I acquit myself well in the day of trial.
From "The Astonishing Life of Octavian Nothing, Traitor to the Nation, Volume II: The Kingdom on the Waves" by M.T. Anderson
"Can you use a firelock, comrade?" said the major, as he placed in my hand a short musket, such as the voltigeurs carried.
From Tom Burke Of "Ours", Volume II by Charles James Lever
The trusty firelock was remounted, and hung in polished readiness over each humble door.
From Mind Amongst the Spindles by Various
Behind a stone wall a farmer rose and presented his firelock, 482 but the piece flashed in the pan.
From Cardigan by Robert W. (Robert William) Chambers
They calmly claimed their own, with the least little click of a well-polished firelock, the slightest flutter of a green silk banner.
From My Lords of Strogue, Vol. I (of III) A Chronicle of Ireland, from the Convention to the Union by Lewis Wingfield
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
