flintlock

[ flint-lok ]

noun

1. an outmoded gunlock in which a piece of flint striking against steel produces sparks that ignite the priming.
2. a firearm with such a lock.

flintlock

/ ˈflɪntˌlɒk /

noun

1. an obsolete gunlock in which the charge is ignited by a spark produced by a flint in the hammer
2. a firearm having such a lock

Word History and Origins

Origin of flintlock¹

First recorded in 1675–85; flint + lock ¹

Example Sentences

In 1990, Predator 2 set a Predator upon Los Angeles, and introduced more of the creature’s mythology—including a detail that it possesses an 18th Century Flintlock pistol as a trophy.

From Time

The most welcome capture was the arms, for many of his men were armed with flintlock muskets.

From Project Gutenberg

They were armed defensively with a shield, and offensively with a curved sword, and a flintlock musket slung at the saddle-bow.

From Project Gutenberg

The boy followed, and then the master took his seat in the stern, with his flintlock fowling piece within reach.

From Project Gutenberg

Flintlock rifles were the usual arm, though here and there a man had a Cramer.

From Project Gutenberg

Some genius in the machine shop altered a matchlock musket to flintlock and showed the local gunsmiths how to do it.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• cannon
• handgun
• hardware
• mortar
• piece
• pistol
• revolver
• rifle
• shotgun