breechblock

or breech-block

[ breech-blok ]

noun

, Ordnance.

1. a movable piece of metal for closing the breech in certain firearms.

breechblock

/ ˈbriːtʃˌblɒk /

noun

1. a metal block in breech-loading firearms that is withdrawn to insert the cartridge and replaced to close the breech before firing

Word History and Origins

Origin of breechblock¹

First recorded in 1880–85; breech + block

Example Sentences

Nearer, a detachment of artillerymen were using hammers to smash up the dial sights and breechblocks of their guns.

From Literature

The Portuguese field artillery served their guns as long as possible and destroyed the breechblocks whenever it became inevitable that they would have to leave a gun behind.

From Project Gutenberg

The heavy steel breechblock of the seventy-five was replaced by a wooden block.

From Project Gutenberg

The breechblocks of the guns were opened, clicked shut again, and then came the welcome words: “Comp sissed!”

From Project Gutenberg

They were unsatisfactory because the breech could not be sealed against escape of the powder gases, and the crude, chambered breechblocks, jammed against the bore with a wedge, often cracked under the shock of firing.

From Project Gutenberg