Associations to the word «Matchlock»

Wiktionary

MATCHLOCK, noun. Early type of firearm, using a smoldering piece of cord to fire the powder in the firing pan.
MATCHLOCK, noun. The gunlock used in such a weapon, having a slow smouldering match, see: slow match.

Dictionary definition

MATCHLOCK, noun. An early style of musket; a slow-burning wick would be lowered into a hole in the breech to ignite the charge.

Wise words

Abuse of words has been the great instrument of sophistry and chicanery, of party, faction, and division of society.
John Adams