snaphance

noun

snap·​hance
variants or snaphaunce
ˈsnapˌ han|(t)s,
-hän|
 or less commonly snaphaan
|n
plural -s
1
a
: a primitive flintlock
b
: an old-time musket having such a lock
2
obsolete : a snap catch or spring catch

Word History

Etymology

Dutch snaphaan highway man, snaphance (influenced in meaning by snappen to snap and haan hammer of a gun), from Middle Dutch snaphaen highwayman, from snappen to snap, snatch + haen cock; akin to Old High German hani cock

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Dictionary Entries Near snaphance

snap gage

snaphance

snaphead

See More Nearby Entries 

Cite this Entry

“Snaphance.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/snaphance. Accessed 1 Dec. 2024.

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