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

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

It was loaded to the muzzle; but just as the pilot was about to apply a red-hot coal to the touchhole, Mr. Fogg said, "Hoist your flag!"

From Around the World in 80 Days by Verne, Jules

Here," said he, dealing Rust a heavy thump upon the shoulder with the butt-end of the piece, "take back your snapper, and look you prick the touchhole, or your barking-iron will never bite for you.

From Rookwood by Ainsworth, William Harrison

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 Elson, William H.

Orders were given that every man was to "throw the priming out of his pan, pick his touchhole, prime anew, examine bullets and see that everything was in readiness for battle."

From Pioneers of the Old Southwest: a chronicle of the dark and bloody ground by Skinner, Constance Lindsay