powder horn
Học thuậtThân thiện
A frontiersman carefully pours gunpowder from his powder horn into his rifle's muzzle.
Definition
Noun: * A powder horn is a container, typically made from the hollowed-out horn of an animal (like an ox or cow), used for carrying and dispensing gunpowder. It was a common accessory for muzzle-loading firearms, such as muskets and rifles, from the 17th through the 19th centuries.
Usage
- The term powder horn specifically refers to the historical artifact or a reproduction of it. It is used when discussing historical weaponry, frontier life, military history, or historical reenactments.
- It functions as a countable noun (e.g., , ).
Examples
- The frontiersman carefully measured the gunpowder from his powder horn before loading his rifle.
- Many antique powder horns are decorated with intricate carvings and maps.
- He hung the powder horn from a strap over his shoulder for easy access.
Advanced Usage
- "to prime the pan from a powder horn": This describes the specific action of using the horn to pour a small amount of fine gunpowder into the priming pan of a flintlock firearm.
- The soldier quickly primed the pan from his powder horn and prepared to fire.
Variants and Related Words
- Powder flask (noun): A later container for gunpowder, often made of metal (brass, copper) or leather, which gradually replaced the powder horn. While serving the same purpose, a flask is not made from an animal horn.
- Horn (noun): In this specific context, the raw material (the animal horn) used to make the container.
Synonyms
- Gunpowder horn: A less common, more descriptive synonym.
- Powder charger: A more general term for any device used to measure and carry a charge of gunpowder.
Related Idioms or Phrases
- (As) dry as a powder horn: An idiom describing something that is completely dry or devoid of moisture. This draws a direct comparison to the intended state of a container for gunpowder.
- After weeks without rain, the riverbed was as dry as a powder horn.
A frontiersman carefully pours gunpowder from his powder horn into his rifle's muzzle.
Noun
- container for carrying gunpowder; made of the hollow horn of an animal