firelock

[ fahyuh r-lok ]

/ ˈfaɪərˌlɒk /

a gun having a lock in which the priming is ignited by sparks struck from flint and steel, as the flintlock musket.

Origin of firelock

First recorded in 1540–50; fire + lock¹

They have latterly become acquainted with fire-arms, and the chiefs have mostly each a firelock of Lama construction.

Journals of Travels in Assam, Burma, Bhootan, Afghanistan and The |William Griffith
On the azotea on each side a sentry paced up and down with his firelock on his shoulder.

Ponce de Leon |William Pilling
The soldier, poising his firelock, knelt at his post by the bulwarks, the gunner knelt with his lighted match beside his gun.

The Great Events by Famous Historians, Vol. 1-20 |Various
As day began to break, each man grasped his firelock and awaited the signal with impatience.

Won by the Sword |G.A. Henty

The men being, at this time, drawn up in three ranks, each poised his firelock.

Of the Capture of Ticonderoga |Ethan Allen

firelock

/ (ˈfaɪəˌlɒk) /

an obsolete type of gunlock with a priming mechanism ignited by sparks

a gun or musket having such a lock