Definition of "flintlock" [flint•lock]

• An obsolete gunlock in which a flint fixed in the hammer produces a spark that ignites the charge. (noun)
• A firearm having this type of gunlock. Also called firelock. (noun)

American Heritage(R) Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright (c) 2011 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

• "In my opinion flintlock is a lot more fun, but that flash of priming powder going off in the pan right in front of your face takes a little getting used to."
• "My very serious muzzle loader friend who shoots the flintlock is into the loading process immediately after the shot with the precise movements of a brain surgeon."
• "I used to muzzleload, had a TC Hawkin flintlock, as heavy as that barrel is it would take alot to burst it, dunno if "modern" muzzleloaders are as hefty or not, but I assume they are just for product liability reasons."