touchhole

American  

[tuhch-hohl] / ˈtʌtʃˌhoʊl /

noun

1. the vent in the breech of an early firearm or cannon through which the charge was ignited.

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touchhole British  

/ ˈtʌtʃˌhəʊl /

noun

1. a hole in the breech of early cannon and firearms through which the charge was ignited

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Etymology

Origin of touchhole

First recorded in 1495–1505; touch + hole

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

touchhole

When he had hanged this adamant in a cord, he comes back, and gives fire to the touchhole: now the powder consumed to a void vacuum— HEU.

From A Select Collection of Old English Plays, Volume 9 by Various

The match, no longer applied by the hand to the touchhole, was fixed into a cock, which was brought down to the pan by the motion of the trigger.

From Traditions of Lancashire, Volume 2 by John Roby

I watched carefully till I saw the Spanish gunner apply a match to the touchhole, and then I, too, gave the word 'Fire.'

From The Elson Readers, Book 5 by William H. Elson

Find in the Glossary the meaning of: boar; encounter; tusks; riveted; gigantic; abyss; severed; whereupon; exaggerations; ramparts; touchhole; recoil; repelling; dismounted; hold.

From The Elson Readers, Book 5 by William H. Elson

The bright red flame started out here and there from muzzle and touchhole, and then ran along the line in an irregular volley.

From Red Axe by S. R. (Samuel Rutherford) Crockett