breechloader

[ breech-loh-der ]

noun

1. a firearm loaded at the breech.

Word History and Origins

Origin of breechloader¹

First recorded in 1855–60; breech + loader

Example Sentences

The gun belonging to the Sea Flower was a small breechloader of good pattern, and could carry a shell quite as far as the boats.

From Project Gutenberg

Dimensions, expense, and very many other reasons are given for this ruinous custom, but all other Navies mount breechloaders on vessels of the same dimensions as our own.

From Project Gutenberg

But these breechloaders, which send forth continuous flame, swift as the lightning, flash on flash, allow not a moment for thought.

From Project Gutenberg

I thought poor Spalding might have left me some trifle to remember him by—his pet breechloader, or something of the kind; but, candidly, I never expected anything like this!”

From Project Gutenberg

It is part of the national hypocrisy to cry peace while our neighbours are whetting their knives and polishing their breechloaders.

From Project Gutenberg