wheel lock

noun

1. an old type of gunlock in which sparks are produced by the friction of a small steel wheel against a piece of iron pyrites.
2. a gun having such a gunlock.

wheel lock

noun

1. 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
2. a gun having such a lock

Word History and Origins

Origin of wheel lock¹

First recorded in 1660–70

Example Sentences

One of the most common ways to silence DNA is to add a chemical group to a gene so that, like a wheel lock, the gene gets “stuck” as it’s trying make a protein.

From Singularity Hub 

Among them, however, are flint-locks and here and there an old wheel-lock.

From Project Gutenberg

Or with smaller game—I fancy I could hit a pheasant with a wheel-lock if I went alone, and flushed the bird myself.

From Project Gutenberg

Wheel-lock of blued steel, with gold and silver inlay, and wheel-guard of tracery in thin gold.

From Project Gutenberg

A result of the introduction of the wheel-lock was the invention of pistols, which never carry match-locks.

From Project Gutenberg

The wheel-lock was rarely used for infantry arms, but was of necessity employed by cavalry, where the match was inconvenient.

From Project Gutenberg