flintlock

American  

[flint-lok] / ˈflɪntˌlɒk /

noun

1. an outmoded gunlock in which a piece of flint striking against steel produces sparks that ignite the priming.

2. a firearm with such a lock.

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flintlock British  

/ ˈflɪntˌlɒk /

noun

1. an obsolete gunlock in which the charge is ignited by a spark produced by a flint in the hammer

2. a firearm having such a lock

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Etymology

Origin of flintlock

First recorded in 1675–85; flint + lock ¹

Example Sentences

On the other hand, if the parts of a flintlock rifle were interchangeable, a soldier could repair his weapon without the need for a gunsmith.

From The Wall Street Journal

The spread of the flintlock was a watershed.

From The Wall Street Journal

We were also dealing with old flintlock pistols, though.

From Salon

“A fixed-barrel gun that uses gas and a piston is now the same as a flintlock or muzzle loader,” Mr. Merino said.

From Washington Times

The rules were geared more for semiautomatic pistols than flintlock weapons, but re-enactors who fear being arrested if they publicly re-stage battles from the colonial era to the Civil War are staying off the field.

From Seattle Times

Related Words

• cannon
• handgun
• hardware
• mortar
• piece
• pistol
• revolver
• rifle
• shotgun