linstock

American  

[lin-stok] / ˈlɪnˌstɒk /

noun

1. a staff with one end forked to hold a match, formerly used in firing cannon.

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linstock British  

/ ˈlɪnˌstɒk /

noun

1. a long staff holding a lighted match, formerly used to fire a cannon

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Etymology

Origin of linstock

1565–75; earlier lyntstock < Dutch lontstock match-stick, with lint replacing lont by association with the material commonly used as tinder

Example Sentences

It contains engravings showing the mode of pike exercise and the method of drill adopted for the management of the musket with rest and linstock as then used.

From Chronicles of Strathearn by Macdougall, W. B.

And now the time, according to Billy Waters’ judgment, having come for sending a shot, he stood ready, linstock in hand, watching the lieutenant, whose one eye was gazing intently through the long leather-covered glass.

From In the King's Name The Cruise of the "Kestrel" by Fenn, George Manville

But as the first line of men broke into the courtyard, Brian fired the remaining three cannon as fast as he could touch linstock to powder.

From Nuala O'Malley by Bedford-Jones, H.

Show me a man who's ever handled a linstock, and I'll give you leave to hang me.

From Caribbee by Hoover, Thomas

This was applying the linstock to the priming with a vengeance.

From Jack in the Forecastle or, Incidents in the Early Life of Hawser Martingale by Sleeper, John Sherburne