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gunlock

American  
[guhn-lok] / ˈgʌnˌlɒk /

noun

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


gunlock British  
/ ˈɡʌnˌlɒk /

noun

  1. 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

Etymology

Origin of gunlock

First recorded in 1645–55; gun 1 + lock 1


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.

See Examples For:

Taylor had previously told police she believed the gun was in her purse, secured with a trigger lock, and that the gunlock key was under her bedroom mattress.

From BBC ● Aug. 15, 2023

She said she kept the gunlock key under her bedroom mattress.

From Seattle Times ● Aug. 14, 2023

He leaped instantly to the shelter of a great trunk and his hand sprang to his gunlock, but no other sound followed, and he wondered.

From The Eyes of the Woods A story of the Ancient Wilderness by Joseph A. (Joseph Alexander) Altsheler

He arranged a system of signals with Shorty, by which one click of his gunlock meant halt, and two to come ahead.

From Si Klegg, Book 6 (of 6) Si And Shorty, With Their Boy Recruits, Enter On The Atlanta Campaign by John McElroy

The latter, with his gunlock in one hand and a greasy rag in the other, looked at the tempting morsel, opened his mouth, and the deed was done.

From Si Klegg, Book 3 (of 6) Si And Shorty Meet Mr. Rosenbaum, The Spy, Who Relates His Adventures by John McElroy

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