matchlock

American  

[mach-lok] / ˈmætʃˌlɒk /

noun

1. an old form of gunlock in which the priming was ignited by a slow match.

2. a hand gun, usually a musket, with such a lock.

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matchlock British  

/ ˈmætʃˌlɒk /

noun

1. an obsolete type of gunlock igniting the powder by means of a slow match

2. a gun having such a lock

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Etymology

Origin of matchlock

First recorded in 1630–40; match ¹ + lock ¹

Example Sentences

European military commanders consistently reported that Indian archers could fire deadly arrows faster and more accurately than the clumsy matchlock guns of the explorers.

From Textbooks • Jan. 18, 2018

Would we still be living in the world of the horse and cart, the quill pen and the matchlock firearm?

From Nature • Oct. 24, 2017

It was like reintroducing the matchlock or the snaphaunce, but Ruger doted on the single-shot, and that was that.

From Time Magazine Archive

One or another of these regiments has assisted at most of England's battles, from the time of the pike and the matchlock.

From Time Magazine Archive

The matchlock was slung up in the hut, and away they went to the raft; Pan did not want to come, he was tired after his journey in the night, but they made him.

From Bevis The Story of a Boy by Jefferies, Richard