flintlock

English

Etymology

flint +‎ lock

Pronunciation
  • (UK) IPA(key): /ˈflɪntˌlɒk/
  • Hyphenation: flint‧lock

Noun

flintlock (plural flintlocks)

  1. An early type of firearm, using a spring-loaded flint to strike sparks into the firing pan.
    • 1879, R[ichard] J[efferies], chapter 1, in The Amateur Poacher, London: Smith, Elder, & Co., […], →OCLC:
      But then I had the flintlock by me for protection. ¶ There were giants in the days when that gun was made; for surely no modern mortal could have held that mass of metal steady to his shoulder. The linen-press and a chest on the top of it formed, however, a very good gun-carriage; and, thus mounted, aim could be taken out of the window, […].
  2. A type of lock used on muskets, rifles, and pistols from the early 17th to the mid-19th century.

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