firelock

American  

[fahyuhr-lok] / ˈfaɪərˌlɒk /

noun

1. a gun having a lock in which the priming is ignited by sparks struck from flint and steel, as the flintlock musket.

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firelock British  

/ ˈfaɪəˌlɒk /

noun

1. an obsolete type of gunlock with a priming mechanism ignited by sparks

2. a gun or musket having such a lock

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Etymology

Origin of firelock

First recorded in 1540–50; fire + lock ¹

Example Sentences

I am apprehensive about the use of the firelock, and pray I acquit myself well in the day of trial.

From "The Astonishing Life of Octavian Nothing, Traitor to the Nation, Volume II: The Kingdom on the Waves" by M.T. Anderson

Then a voice called from a nearby hill: “Guard your boar, for understand, Per Gynt is without, With his firelock in his hand!”

From The Norwegian Fairy Book by Stroebe, Clara

I gave the Weasel money to purchase powder and ball, which we all lacked, and to buy for me a silver watch and a rifle or firelock to replace the loss of my own.

From Cardigan by Chambers, Robert W. (Robert William)

Here and there a firelock lay from one to another, or a powder-horn or brace of pistols swung.

From The Story of Old Fort Loudon by Murfree, Mary Noailles

This aspiration had the effect of fastening O'Flynn's eye and mind to the sighting of his firelock and obliterating his speculations concerning the cravat as spoil stripped from some slain officer of rank.

From The Story of Old Fort Loudon by Murfree, Mary Noailles