1. early firearms that used a slow-burning match to ignite gunpowder
Usage: historical

Examples

• The soldiers carried matchlocks into battle during the 16th century.
• Matchlocks were gradually replaced by more reliable flintlock mechanisms.
• The museum displayed several ornate matchlocks from different European countries.
• Loading and firing matchlocks required considerable skill and time.
• Rain often made matchlocks useless since the burning match would be extinguished.
• Japanese samurai adopted matchlocks after Portuguese traders introduced them.