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Webster 1913 Edition


Firelock

Fire′lockˊ

,
Noun.
An old form of gunlock, as the flintlock, which ignites the priming by a spark; perhaps originally, a matchlock. Hence, a gun having such a lock.

Webster 1828 Edition


Firelock

FI'RELOCK

,
Noun.
A musket, or other gun, with a lock, which is discharged by striking fire with flint and steel.

Definition 2024


firelock

firelock

English

Noun

firelock (plural firelocks)

  1. An old form of gunlock, as the flintlock, which ignites the priming by a spark.
    • 1819, Washington Irving, The Sketch Book, Rip Van Winkle:
      He looked round for his gun, but … he found an old firelock lying by him, … He now suspected that the grave roysters of the mountain had put a trick upon him, ….
    • 1824, Town and Country Tales (page 115)
      Alfred, surprised to meet his father, whom he thought absent from home, [] stood, holding his firelock in one hand, and his hat in the other []

References

  • firelock in Webster’s Revised Unabridged Dictionary, G. & C. Merriam, 1913