Kentucky rifle

noun

1. a long-barreled muzzleloading flintlock rifle developed near Lancaster, Pa., in the early 18th century and widely used on the frontier.

Word History and Origins

Origin of Kentucky rifle¹

First recorded in 1825–35

Example Sentences

To this, the American provocatively patted his Kentucky rifle.

From Seattle Times

Rufus’s gun was a flintlock, a long slender Kentucky rifle.

From Literature

Dougherty’s apartment is filled with the Booth derringer, a Kentucky rifle, and a variety of engines that all operate.

From Washington Times

Accidents began to happen early, when behind the massive beams we found a Kentucky rifle and a Whistler etching, both perfectly preserved.

From New York Times

The doctor was armed with his Kentucky rifle, and Hans with a harpoon and attached line.

From Project Gutenberg