matchlock

American  

[mach-lok] / ˈmætʃˌlɒk /

noun

1. an old form of gunlock in which the priming was ignited by a slow match.

2. a hand gun, usually a musket, with such a lock.

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matchlock British  

/ ˈmætʃˌlɒk /

noun

1. an obsolete type of gunlock igniting the powder by means of a slow match

2. a gun having such a lock

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Etymology

Origin of matchlock

First recorded in 1630–40; match ¹ + lock ¹

Example Sentences

European military commanders consistently reported that Indian archers could fire deadly arrows faster and more accurately than the clumsy matchlock guns of the explorers.

From Textbooks • Jan. 18, 2018

Would we still be living in the world of the horse and cart, the quill pen and the matchlock firearm?

From Nature • Oct. 24, 2017

Harry Byrd was not on the Senate floor when Freshman Humphrey first discharged his matchlock.

From Time Magazine Archive

One or another of these regiments has assisted at most of England's battles, from the time of the pike and the matchlock.

From Time Magazine Archive

We are as much bygones as the old flint musket or the matchlock.

From Barrington Volume I (of II) by Lever, Charles James