gunlock

[ guhn-lok ]

/ ˈgʌnˌlɒk /

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noun

the mechanism of a firearm by which the charge is exploded.

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His boss, whom he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

His boss, who he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

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Origin of gunlock

First recorded in 1645–55; gun¹ + lock¹

Words nearby gunlock

gung-ho, Gunite, gunk, gunk hole, gunky, gunlock, gunmaker, gunman, gunmetal, gun moll, Gunn

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use gunlock in a sentence

Inside it was a clock, which could be set to run a certain time and then loosen a sort of gunlock.
Stories of Our Naval Heroes|Various
Shorty turned around and backed up to him so that the calves of their legs touched, and began intently studying his gunlock.
Si Klegg, Book 6 (of 6)|John McElroy
He arranged a system of signals with Shorty, by which one click of his gunlock meant halt, and two to come ahead.
Si Klegg, Book 6 (of 6)|John McElroy
Si clicked his gunlock, and waited till he had counted 25 rebels gathered there, which seemed to be all, as no more appeared.
Si Klegg, Book 6 (of 6)|John McElroy

A small gunlock was armed with an excellent flint, and, on being snapped in an exhausted receiver, did not produce any light.
The Life of Sir Humphrey Davy, Bart. LL.D., Volume 1 (of 2)|John Ayrton Paris

British Dictionary definitions for gunlock

gunlock

/ (ˈɡʌnˌlɒk) /

noun

the mechanism in some firearms that causes the charge to be exploded

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012