wheel lock
Americannoun
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an old type of gunlock in which sparks are produced by the friction of a small steel wheel against a piece of iron pyrites.
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a gun having such a gunlock.
noun
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a gunlock formerly in use in which the firing mechanism was activated by sparks produced by friction between a small steel wheel and a flint
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a gun having such a lock
Etymology
Origin of wheel lock
First recorded in 1660–70
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
He also paid for a steering wheel lock and wheel clamp for £168 a few months later.
From BBC ● Jun. 1, 2026
He recommends a steering wheel lock, such as The Club, as a deterrent.
From Seattle Times ● Apr. 18, 2023
For those cars without immobilizers that cannot be updated, Hyundai will reimburse the cost of a steering wheel lock to the driver.
From Washington Times ● Feb. 15, 2023
Now she uses a wheel lock to thwart theft attempts and the incident rocked her to the point where she no longer walks around with her purse.
From Washington Post ● Feb. 8, 2023
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 Murder in the Gunroom by H. Beam Piper
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Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
