Kentucky rifle

American  

noun

1. a long-barreled muzzleloading flintlock rifle developed near Lancaster, Pa., in the early 18th century and widely used on the frontier.

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Etymology

Origin of Kentucky rifle

First recorded in 1825–35

Example Sentences

To this, the American provocatively patted his Kentucky rifle.

From Seattle Times • May 16, 2024

Accidents began to happen early, when behind the massive beams we found a Kentucky rifle and a Whistler etching, both perfectly preserved.

From New York Times • Oct. 3, 2012

Jarrett Signature Rifle This bolt action's antecedent is the Kentucky rifle.

From Time Magazine Archive

Learning, no less surely than the Kentucky rifle, supported freedom.

From Time Magazine Archive

Rufus’s gun was a flintlock, a long slender Kentucky rifle.

From "Kindred" by Octavia Butler