1. plural of firelock; early firearms that used a flintlock mechanism to ignite gunpowder
Usage: historical

Examples

• The colonial soldiers carried firelocks into battle.
• Museum displays showed various types of firelocks from the 18th century.
• The regiment was equipped with standard military firelocks.
• Collectors prize well-preserved firelocks from the Revolutionary War era.
• The gunsmith specialized in repairing antique firelocks.
• Firelocks were gradually replaced by more modern firearms.