wheel lock

American  

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.

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wheel lock British  

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

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Etymology

Origin of wheel lock

First recorded in 1660–70

Example Sentences

Law enforcement was “very proactive” in addressing car thefts, including handing out 10,000 free wheel locks and using an auto theft task force, commission president Bill Gibbons said in a news release.

From Seattle Times

The best way to stop thieves is to employ extra security measures such as fuel cut-offs, steering wheel locks and keeping the vehicle in a more secure place, Green said.

From Los Angeles Times

The Seattle Police Department gave away free steering wheel locks this year in response to the thefts.

From Seattle Times

But in April, SPD’s crime prevention coordinators gave away steering wheel locks in each of the department’s five precincts as a direct result of the spike in thefts of certain Kia and Hyundai models.

From Seattle Times

Plus, onboard wheelchairs need to go frontward into lavatories and have proper wheel locks, cushioning and restraints.

From Washington Times