noun
- a small hole in the breech of a firearm through which the charge is ignited
Usage: historical; firearms
Examples
- The musket’s touchhole was clogged with gunpowder residue.
- He cleaned the touchhole carefully before loading the cannon.
- The flintlock mechanism created a spark that ignited powder in the touchhole.
- Revolutionary War soldiers had to keep their touchholes dry in wet weather.
- The gunsmith drilled a precise touchhole in the barrel.
- Moisture in the touchhole could prevent the weapon from firing.