snaphaunce

American  

[snap-hans, -hahns] / ˈsnæp hæns, -hɑns /

noun

1. an early flintlock mechanism for igniting a charge of gunpowder in a gun.

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Etymology

Origin of snaphaunce

First recorded in 1580–90; from Dutch snaphaan (or German Schnapphahn ) originally, “highwayman,” equivalent to snap(pen) “to snatch” + haan “rooster” ( Dutch haan, German Hahn, parallel to English cock meaning both “rooster” and “hammer of a firearm”); source of the final s sound unclear; snap, cock ¹

Example Sentences

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

From Time Magazine Archive

Cotgrave has arquebuse à fusil, "a snaphaunce," and explains fusil as "a fire-steele for a tinder-box."

From Project Gutenberg

This is a genuine snaphaunce, not to be confused with the Spanish or Moorish Miguelet or outside-lock flintlock.

From Project Gutenberg

I have a couple of wheel locks, to start with, and three miguelet-locks and an Italian snaphaunce.

From Project Gutenberg

Trehearne broke in to ask how many English dog-locks there were, and if the snaphaunce Highlander and the big all-steel wheel lock were still there.

From Project Gutenberg