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

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

touchhole

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 William Harrison Ainsworth

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

One of the men inserted a percussion fuse in the touchhole of the mortar.

From Larry Dexter's Great Search or, The Hunt for the Missing Millionaire by Howard Roger Garis

Carefully, deliberately, Pamela Russell lowered her candle to the cannon's touchhole.

From Shaman by Robert Shea

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

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