firelock

American  

[fahyuhr-lok] / ˈfaɪərˌlɒk /

noun

1. a gun having a lock in which the priming is ignited by sparks struck from flint and steel, as the flintlock musket.

---

firelock British  

/ ˈfaɪəˌlɒk /

noun

1. an obsolete type of gunlock with a priming mechanism ignited by sparks

2. a gun or musket having such a lock

---

Etymology

Origin of firelock

First recorded in 1540–50; fire + lock ¹

Example Sentences

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

There, leaning against a tree, with my firelock under my arm, I forgot the wolf-hunt entirely; my thoughts had travelled back to Seraphina's cosy room.

From Weird Tales. Vol. I by Hoffmann, E. T. A. (Ernst Theodor Amadeus)

Paulding went on to say that on that he got up, presented his firelock at the breast of the traveler, told him to stand, and then asked him which way he was going.

From Elsie on the Hudson by Finley, Martha

The matchlock, as a military weapon, gradually gave way to the firelock, which came into general use in the last half of the 17th century, and was the weapon of Marlborough’s and Wellington’s armies.

From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 12, Slice 6 "Groups, Theory of" to "Gwyniad" by Various

A bayonet was originally screwed into the muzzle of the firelock, converting it into a short pike.

From The New Gresham Encyclopedia. Vol. 1 Part 3 Atrebates to Bedlis by Various