flint-lock

A soldier loads his flint-lock rifle.

Definition

1. Noun:
   • A type of firearm mechanism: "flint-lock" refers to a gun-lock in which a flint is struck against steel to produce sparks that ignite the gunpowder. It was widely used in the 17th and 18th centuries.
   • A gun using this mechanism: By extension, "flint-lock" can also mean a firearm (such as a musket or pistol) that incorporates this ignition system.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The soldier carried a flint-lock musket into battle. (A firearm with a flint-lock mechanism.)
  • Antique collectors prize a well-preserved flint-lock pistol. (A pistol using the flint-lock system.)

Advanced Usage

• "flint-lock mechanism": the specific system of ignition.

  • The flint-lock mechanism required careful maintenance to ensure reliable firing. (The system of striking flint against steel.)

• "flint-lock era": the historical period when flint-lock firearms were standard.

  • During the flint-lock era, soldiers had to load their weapons slowly and carefully. (The time when flint-lock guns were common.)

Variants and Related Words

• Flintlock (n): an alternative spelling of "flint-lock" (often written as one word).

  • The flintlock rifle was a major advancement in firearms technology. (Same meaning as flint-lock.)

• Flint (n): a hard, grey stone used in the flint-lock to produce sparks.

  • The flint in the lock needed to be sharpened regularly. (The stone component.)

Synonyms

• Firelock: a historical term for a gun with a lock that uses sparks to ignite the powder.
• Muzzle-loader: a type of firearm loaded from the muzzle, often associated with flint-lock guns.

Phrasal Verbs

Related Idioms