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percussion cap

noun

  1. a small metallic cap or cup containing fulminating powder, formerly exploded by percussion to fire the charge of small arms.


percussion cap

noun

  1. a detonator consisting of a paper or thin metal cap containing material that explodes when struck and formerly used in certain firearms
“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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Word History and Origins

Origin of percussion cap1

First recorded in 1815–25
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Example Sentences

Either the copper percussion cap might fail to spark, or the black powder in the barrel might fail to ignite because of dampness.

One of the revolver’s chambers was empty, and officers found an expended percussion cap.

Look closely, and you'll see that the two guns don't quite match: One has had its flintlock striking mechanism replaced with a slightly more modern percussion cap system.

Articles used in charging firearms and ordnance of all kinds; as powder, balls, shot, shells, percussion caps, rockets, etc.

By good luck I found a bit of tolerably dry paper in my jumper; and, becoming apprehensive that Petersen would waste our few percussion caps with his ineffectual snappings, I took the pistol myself.

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