wheellock en · NOUN
Etymology
Etymology tree Proto-Indo-European *kʷelh₁-redup. Proto-Indo-European *-os Proto-Indo-European *kʷekʷléh₂ Proto-Germanic *hweulō Old English hwēol Middle English whel English wheel Proto-Indo-European *lewg-der. Proto-Germanic *luką Proto-West Germanic *lok Old English loc Middle English lok English lock English wheellock From wheel + lock.
Meanings
- (historical) An early type of firearm, using a spring-driven wheel against a flint to make sparks in the firing pan.
Forms
| Spelling | Features | Labels | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| wheellocks | Number=Plur | lexicographic |