matchlock

/'mætʃlɔk/

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Word: Matchlock

Part of Speech: Noun

Definition: A matchlock is an early type of gun, specifically a musket. It used a slow-burning wick (a thin piece of material that burns slowly) that was lowered into a small hole in the back part of the gun (called the breech) to ignite the gunpowder inside, which would make the gun fire.

Usage Instructions:

• Basic Usage: You can use "matchlock" to describe this specific type of firearm when talking about historical weapons or military history.
• Example Sentence: "In the 16th century, soldiers often used matchlock guns in battles."

Advanced Usage:

• When discussing advancements in weaponry, you might compare matchlocks to later guns, such as flintlocks and percussion caps, which had more reliable firing mechanisms.

Word Variants:

• Matchlock (noun): The original term for this type of firearm.
• Matchlocks (plural noun): Refers to more than one matchlock firearm.

Different Meanings:

• The word "match" can also refer to a contest or comparison (e.g., "a football match"), or something that corresponds or is similar to another (e.g., "a perfect match").
• "Lock" in another context can refer to a mechanism for securing something (e.g., "a door lock").

Synonyms:

• There are not many direct synonyms for "matchlock," but you might refer to it more broadly as an "early firearm" or "early musket."

Related Idioms and Phrasal Verbs:

While there are no specific idioms or phrasal verbs related to "matchlock," you might come across phrases in discussions about weaponry or historical events: - "Lock and load": While not directly related to matchlocks, this phrase means to prepare a gun for firing, which can connect to broader discussions about firearms.

Summary:

A matchlock is a historical firearm that used a wick to ignite gunpowder. It is important in the study of military history and the evolution of guns.

Academic

Noun

1. an early style of musket; a slow-burning wick would be lowered into a hole in the breech to ignite the charge